bay

1. bay (noun) — sense 1

Definition: The excited howling of dogs when hunting or being attacked.

Example: The hunt is up, the morn is bright and grey, / The fields are fragrant, and the woods are green. / Uncouple here, and let us make a bay / And wake the Emperor and his lovely bride, / And rouse the Prince, and ring a hunter's peal, / That all the court may echo with the noise.

2. bay (noun) — sense 2

Definition: The climactic confrontation between hunting-dogs and their prey.

3. bay (noun) — sense 3

Definition: A state of being obliged to face an antagonist or a difficulty, when escape has become impossible.

Example: Embolden'd by despair, he stood at bay.

4. bay (verb) — sense 4

Definition: To howl.

Example: The hounds at nearer distance hoarsely bay'd.

5. bay (verb) — sense 5

Definition: To bark at; hence, to follow with barking; to bring or drive to bay.

Example: to bay the bear

6. bay (verb) — sense 6

Definition: To pursue noisily, like a pack of hounds.