Definition of "belay"

(transitive, intransitive, nautical) To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.  examples

(transitive, climbing) To handle a climbing rope to prevent (a climber) from falling to the ground.  examples

(transitive) To lay aside; stop; cancel.  examples

(intransitive, nautical) The general command to stop or cease.  examples

(transitive, obsolete) To surround; environ; enclose.

(transitive, obsolete) To overlay; adorn.  quotations

(transitive, obsolete) To besiege; invest; surround.

(transitive, obsolete) To lie in wait for in order to attack; block up or obstruct.

(climbing) The securing of a rope to a rock or other projection.  examples

(climbing) The object to which a rope is secured.  examples

(climbing) A location at which a climber stops and builds an anchor with which to secure their partner.  quotations  examples

simple past of belie (“encompass”)  examples