ALL meanings of at bay
at bay
A a - noun at bay (of a person or animal) forced to turn and face attackers 3
- noun at bay with escape cut off; cornered 3
- noun at bay unable to advance; held off 3
- adverb at bay at a distance 1
- noun at bay a deep, prolonged howl, as of a hound on the scent. 1
- noun at bay the position or stand of an animal or fugitive that is forced to turn and resist pursuers because it is no longer possible to flee (usually preceded by at or to): a stag at bay; to bring an escaped convict to bay. 1
- noun at bay the situation of a person or thing that is forced actively to oppose or to succumb to some adverse condition (usually preceded by at or to). 1
- noun at bay the situation of being actively opposed by an animal, person, etc., so as to be powerless to act fully (often preceded by at). 1
- verb without object at bay to howl, especially with a deep, prolonged sound, as a hound on the scent. 1
- verb with object at bay to assail with deep, prolonged howling: a troubled hound baying the moon. 1
- verb with object at bay to bring to or to hold at bay: A dog bays its quarry. 1
- preposition at bay (Idiomatic) (set phrase) Unable to come closer; at a distance. 0
- preposition at bay (Idiomatic) (set phrase) Cornered; unable to flee. 0