Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word at bay. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word at bay, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say at bay in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word at bay you have here. The definition of the word at bay will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofat bay, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
These two books—of sacred, and secular, passages for memory—will serve other good purposes besides merely occupying vacant hours: they will help to keep at bay many anxious thoughts, worrying thoughts, uncharitable thoughts, unholy thoughts.
2011 October 23, Becky Ashton, “QPR 1 - 0 Chelsea”, in BBC Sport:
The home side grew in confidence after keeping the visitors at bay and took the lead after only nine minutes, from their first foray into the penalty area.
For a moment my gaze traversed the landscape beneath until it was caught and held by four figures near the base of the cliff—a human figure held at bay by three hyaenodons, those ferocious and blood-thirsty wild dogs of the Eocene.
2004 November 22, Valerie Elliott, “Two-dog plan to keep law at bay”, in The Times:
Instead of mounted riders following a pack of hounds, it is envisaged that just two dogs will be used to locate a stag and hold it at bay.
(heraldry) Of an animal, especially a docile animal in contrast to a predatory animal which would be blazoned statant: standing, in profile toward dexter, with all four feet on the ground. (If gazing at the viewer, the animal is at gaze.)
Usage notes
Usually modifying the verb "keep" - "she kept that angry customer at bay"