bay5

 
Pronunciation: /beɪ/

verb

[no object]
  • (of a dog, especially a large one) bark or howl loudly: the dogs bayed a jackal baying at the moon
  • (of a group of people) shout loudly, typically to demand something: the crowd bayed for an encore
  • [with object] archaic bay at: a pack of wolves baying the moon

noun

[in singular]
  • the sound of baying: the bloodhounds' heavy bay

Phrases

at bay

forced to face or confront one’s attackers or pursuers; cornered: he felt at bay, like a very dim minister facing a hostile House

bay for blood

demand punishment or retribution: the press is baying for blood

bring someone/thing to bay

trap or corner a person or animal being hunted or chased: the Athenians were brought to bay between the streams

hold (or keep) someone/thing at bay

prevent someone or something from approaching or having an effect: drugs were keeping severe pain at bay

stand at bay

turn to face one’s pursuers: she will be doomed to stand at bay

Origin:

Middle English (as a noun): from Old French (a)bai (noun), (a)baiier (verb) 'to bark', of imitative origin