English Explanatory Dictionary

at bay

English dictionary entry

Meanings

prep_phrase
  1. Unable to come closer; at a distance.
  2. Cornered; unable to flee.
  3. Of an animal, especially a docile animal in contrast to a predatory animal which would be blazoned statant: standing, in profile toward dexter, with all four feet on the ground. (If gazing at the viewer, the animal is at gaze.)

Pronunciation

en-au-at bay.ogg

Word forms

at bay

Etymology

From bay (“excited howling of dogs”).

Synonyms

at a distance at arm's length away back cornered trapped
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