Bay /(bā)/

1. Reddish brown; of the color of a chestnut; -- applied to the color of horses.

1. An inlet of the sea, usually smaller than a gulf, but of the same general character. (Geog.)
2. A small body of water set off from the main body; as a compartment containing water for a wheel; the portion of a canal just outside of the gates of a lock, etc.
3. A recess or indentation shaped like a bay.
4. A principal compartment of the walls, roof, or other part of a building, or of the whole building, as marked off by the buttresses, vaulting, mullions of a window, etc.; one of the main divisions of any structure, as the part of a bridge between two piers.
5. A compartment in a barn, for depositing hay, or grain in the stalks.
6. A kind of mahogany obtained from Campeachy Bay.

1. A berry, particularly of the laurel. [Obs.]
2. The laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). Hence, in the plural, an honorary garland or crown bestowed as a prize for victory or excellence, anciently made or consisting of branches of the laurel.

   The patriot's honors and the poet's bays.

3. A tract covered with bay trees. [Local, U. S.]

imp. & p. p. Bayed; p. pr. & vb. n. Baying

1. To bark, as a dog with a deep voice does, at his game.

   The hounds at nearer distance hoarsely bayed.

1. To bark at; hence, to follow with barking; to bring or drive to bay; as, to bay the bear.

1. Deep-toned, prolonged barking.
2. A state of being obliged to face an antagonist or a difficulty, when escape has become impossible.

   Embolden'd by despair, he stood at bay.

   The most terrible evils are just kept at bay by incessant efforts.

1. To bathe. [Obs.]

1. A bank or dam to keep back water.

1. To dam, as water; -- with up or back.