from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Belay \Be*lay"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Belaid}, {Belayed}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Belaying}.] [For senses 1 & 2, D. beleggen to
cover, belay; akin to E. pref. be-, and lay to place: for
sense 3, OE. beleggen, AS. belecgan. See pref. {Be-}, and
{Lay} to place.]
1. To lay on or cover; to adorn. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Jacket . . . belayed with silver lace. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) To make fast, as a rope, by taking several turns
with it round a pin, cleat, or kevel. --Totten.
[1913 Webster]
3. To lie in wait for with a view to assault. Hence: to block
up or obstruct. [Obs.] --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
{Belay thee!} Stop.
[1913 Webster]