BELA'Y, verb transitive [This word is composed of be and lay, to lay to, lay by, or close. See Beleaguer.] 1. To block up, or obstruct. 2. To place in ambush. 3. To adorn, surround, or cover. 4. In seamanship, to fasten, or make fast, by winding a rope round a cleat, kevil, or belaying-pin. It is chiefly applied to the running rigging.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI