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bay5

Pronunciation: /beɪ/

Definition of bay

[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

[in singular]

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

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

Definition of bay in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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