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At bay

prep_phrase

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    forced to turn and face attackers wordnet
Prep_phrase
  1. 1
    Unable to come closer; at a distance. idiomatic

    "In that case the enemy himself could have occupied the defences of Corinth and held at bay all the Union troops that arrived."

  2. 2
    Cornered; unable to flee. idiomatic

    "The hills, like giants at a hunting, lay / Chin upon hand, to see the game at bay,— / "Now stab and end the creature - to the heft!""

  3. 3
    Of an animal, especially a docile animal in contrast to a predatory animal which would be blazoned statant: standing, in profile toward dexter, with all four feet on the ground. (If gazing at the viewer, the animal is at gaze.)

Etymology

From bay (“excited howling of dogs”).

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