Sekirov Dictionary

belay

UK /ˈbiːleɪ/US /bɪˈleɪ/

verb 8
noun 3
forms 4

verb8

To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.
•
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.
•
To lay aside; to stop; to cancel.
- Belay that order!
The general command to stop or cease.
(no longer used) To surround; to environ; to enclose.
(no longer used) To besiege; invest; surround.
(no longer used) To lie in wait for in order to attack; block up or obstruct.
(no longer used) To overlay; to adorn.

noun3

The securing of a rope to a rock or other sturdy object.
The object to which a rope is secured.
•
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. — 1967

forms

belaid · belayed · belaying · belays

This dictionary works without the internet: on your phone · in Chrome