2. Etym: [OE. bay, abay, OF. abai, F. aboi barking, pl. abois, prop. the extremity to which the stag is reduced when surrounded by the dogs, barking (aboyant); aux abois at bay.]
Defn: A state of being obliged to face an antagonist or a difficulty,
when escape has become impossible.
Embolden'd by despair, he stood at bay. Dryden.
The most terrible evils are just kept at bay by incessant efforts. I.
Taylor
BAY
Bay, v. t. Etym: [Cf. OE. bæwen to bathe, and G. bähen to foment.]
Defn: To bathe. [Obs.] Spenser.
BAY
Bay, n.
Defn: A bank or dam to keep back water.
BAY
Bay, v. t.
Defn: To dam, as water; — with up or back.
BAYA
Ba"ya, n. Etym: [Native name.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: The East Indian weaver bird (Ploceus Philippinus).