bay

I

[[t]beɪ[/t]]

n.

1) geo a body of water forming an indentation of the shoreline, larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

2) geo a recess of land, partly surrounded by hills

3) geo an arm of a prairie or swamp, extending into woods

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME baye < MF baie < ML, LL bāia, perh. by back formation from L Bāiae name of a spa on the Bay of Naples II

bay

[[t]beɪ[/t]] n.

1) archit.

a) any of a number of similar major vertical divisions of a large interior, wall, etc., defined by columns, vaulting, or the like

b) a recess in a wall, usu. containing a window

c) bay window 1)

2) aer.

a) any portion of an airplane set off by two successive bulkheads or other bracing members

b) a compartment in an aircraft:

a cargo bay[/ex]

3) a compartment in a barn for storing hay

4) cmp Also calleddrive bay. an open compartment in the console housing a computer's CPU in which a disk drive, tape drive, etc., may be installed

5) naut.

naut. navig. sick bay

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Etymology: 1275–1325; ME < MF baee an opening in a wall, der. of baer to gape III

bay

[[t]beɪ[/t]] n. v. bayed, bay•ing

1) a deep, prolonged howl, as of a hound on the scent

2) the position of an animal that is forced to face and resist pursuers, or of a person forced to face a foe or difficulty:

Hounds held the stag at bay[/ex]

3) the position of the pursuers or foe thus kept off:

The bear kept the hunters at bay[/ex]

4) to howl, esp. with a deep, prolonged sound:

a hound baying at the moon[/ex]

5) to assail with deep, prolonged howling

6) to express by howling

7) to bring to or to hold at bay

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME, aph. var. of abay < AF; dial. OF abai barking, der. of abaier to bark, of imit. orig. IV

bay

[[t]beɪ[/t]] n.

1) pln

laurel 1)

2) pln

Also called bayberry 3) a tropical American shrub, Pimenta racemosa of the myrtle family, having aromatic leaves that are used in making bay oil and bay rum.

3) pln any of various laurellike trees or shrubs

4) an honorary garland or crown bestowed for military victory, literary excellence, etc

5) bays, fame; renown

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME bai(e), OE beg- < L bāca, bacca berry V

bay

[[t]beɪ[/t]] n.

1) dch zool. a horse having a reddish-brown body and black mane, tail, and lower legs

2) reddish brown

3) dch zool. (esp. of a horse) reddish-brown

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME < MF bai < L badius; cf. OIr buide yellow