BAY

Definitions for the word, bay

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

(n.) A bank or dam to keep back water.

(n.) A berry, particularly of the laurel.

(n.) A compartment in a barn, for depositing hay, or grain in the stalks.

(n.) A kind of mahogany obtained from Campeachy Bay.

(n.) 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.

(n.) A recess or indentation shaped like a bay.

(n.) 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.

(n.) A tract covered with bay trees.

(n.) An inlet of the sea, usually smaller than a gulf, but of the same general character.

(n.) 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.

(v. i.) A state of being obliged to face an antagonist or a difficulty, when escape has become impossible.

(v. i.) Deep-toned, prolonged barking.

(v. i.) To bark, as a dog with a deep voice does, at his game.

(v. t.) To bark at; hence, to follow with barking; to bring or drive to bay; as, to bay the bear.

(v. t.) To bathe.

(v. t.) To dam, as water; -- with up or back.