belay
verb
[ ˈbiːleɪ ]
• fix (a running rope) round a cleat, rock, pin, or other object, to secure it.
• stop; desist from.
• "‘Belay that, mister. Man your post.’"
belay
noun
• an act of belaying.
• "the leader may require belays to tackle more difficult sections"
• a spike of rock or other object used for belaying.
• "the trees along the top are used as belays"
Origin:
mid 16th century (originally in nautical use): from be- + lay1, on the pattern of Dutch beleggen .
