be·lay / biˈlā/ • v. [tr.] 1. fix (a running rope) around a cleat, pin, rock, or other object, to secure it. ∎  secure (a mountaineer) in this way: he belayed his partner across the ice. 2. [usu. in imper.] Nautical slang stop; enough!: “Belay that, mister. Man your post.”• n. 1. an act of belaying: the leader may require belays to tackle more difficult sections.2. a spike of rock or other hard material used for belaying.DERIVATIVES: be·lay·er n.

belay †beset, surround OE.; (naut.) fasten a running rope round a pin, etc. XVI. OE. beleċġan = OHG. bileggen (G. belegen), f. BE- + leċġan LAY. From XVI a new formation; the current (naut.) sense seems to be after Du. beleggen.