belay

Definition

To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.

Etymology

From Middle English beleggen, bileggen, from Old English beleċġan (“to cover, invest, surround, afflict, attribute to, charge with, accuse”), From Proto-West Germanic *bilaggjan, equivalent to be- (“about, around”) + lay. Cognate with Dutch beleggen (“to cover, overlay, belay”), German belegen (“to cover, occupy, belay”), Swedish belägga (“to pave”).

Example Sentences

• "He would need an experienced partner to belay him on the difficult climbs."
• "I could only hope the remaining piton would belay his fall."
• "Belay that order!"