belay

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.

2. 2

   To handle a climbing rope to prevent (a climber) from falling to the ground.

   • He would need an experienced partner to belay him on the difficult climbs.
   • I could only hope the remaining piton would belay his fall.
3. 3

   To lay aside

   To lay aside; to stop; to cancel.

   • Belay that order!
   • "We landed in their killbox?" "We did. I am sor... No, belay that. Heads down! Cavalry incoming!"
4. ›+ 10 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      The general command to stop or cease.

   2. 5

      To surround

      To surround; to environ; to enclose.

   3. 6

      To overlay

      To overlay; to adorn.

      • jacket […] belayd with silver lace
   4. 7

      To besiege

      To besiege; invest; surround.

   5. 8

      To lie in wait for in order to attack

      To lie in wait for in order to attack; block up or obstruct.

   6. 9

      The securing of a rope to a rock or other sturdy object.

   7. 10

      The object to which a rope is secured.

   8. 11

      A location at which a climber stops and builds an anchor with which to secure their…

      A location at which a climber stops and builds an anchor with which to secure their partner.

      • But instead of swapping over at the ice axe belay, you carry on in the lead, cutting or kicking steps until you are about twenty feet above.
   9. 12

      simple past of belie (“encompass”)

   10. 13

       A surname.

The neighborhood