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Entry 17 senses · 9 variants Webster, 1913

Bay

/(bā)/ · IPA /beɪ/
01 a. Reddish brown; of the color of a chestnut; -- applied to the color of horses.
  1. 1.
    Reddish brown; of the color of a chestnut; -- applied to the color of horses.
Phrases & compounds
Bay cat — a wild cat of Africa and the East Indies (Felis aurata).
Bay lynx — the common American lynx (Lynx lynx, formerly Felis rufa or Lynx rufa).
02 n. An inlet of the sea, usually smaller than a gulf, but of the same general character.
  1. 1.
    An inlet of the sea, usually smaller than a gulf, but of the same general character.(Geog.)
  2. 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. 3.
    A recess or indentation shaped like a bay.
  4. 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. 5.
    A compartment in a barn, for depositing hay, or grain in the stalks.
  6. 6.
    A kind of mahogany obtained from Campeachy Bay.
Phrases & compounds
Sick bay — in vessels of war, that part of a deck appropriated to the use of the sick.
03 n. A berry, particularly of the laurel.
  1. 1.
    A berry, particularly of the laurel.[Obs.]
  2. 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.” — Trumbull.
  3. 3.
    A tract covered with bay trees.[Local, U. S.]
Phrases & compounds
Bay leaf — the leaf of the bay tree (Laurus nobilis). It has a fragrant odor and an aromatic taste, and is used for flavoring in food.
04 v. i. To bark, as a dog with a deep voice does, at his game.
imp. & p. p. Bayed; p. pr. & vb. n. Baying
  1. 1.
    To bark, as a dog with a deep voice does, at his game.
    “The hounds at nearer distance hoarsely bayed.” — Dryden.
05 v. t. To bark at; hence, to follow with barking; to bring or drive to bay; as, to bay the bear.
  1. 1.
    To bark at; hence, to follow with barking; to bring or drive to bay; as, to bay the bear.
06 n. Deep-toned, prolonged barking.
  1. 1.
    Deep-toned, prolonged barking.
  2. 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.” — Dryden.
    “The most terrible evils are just kept at bay by incessant efforts.” — I. Taylor
07 v. t. To bathe.
  1. 1.
    To bathe.[Obs.]
08 n. A bank or dam to keep back water.
  1. 1.
    A bank or dam to keep back water.
09 v. t. To dam, as water; -- with up or back.
  1. 1.
    To dam, as water; -- with up or back.