I can't find the origin of the above term. While "bay" has several definitions, only one seems to be connected with "at bay." Who can fill me in on it?

Offhand, I think it refers to hunting dogs baying (barking) at prey animals which they have cornered (at bay).

Yes, the 'dog' reference seems to be the correct origin. See http://english.stackexchange.c...and-origin-of-at-bay

I had thought that the baying of dogs was the weaker idea, but it seems it's the real one.
I had thought that since a geographic bay has three sides, it would be the right one - the sense of being cornered thereby arising. Thanks, you two!

arnie, you have the best sites! I love that site.

An alternative: at bay Pig Latin for a small flying mammal. What are you praising Arnie for? I'm the one that got it right.

Oh, you know me. I am always praising arnie. Seriously, I think arnie has the best word related Blogs and Web sites.

Yeahbuttttt... Proof did answer first! They're both super good, IMHO!

Agreed, Geoff. I was only talking about the site arnie linked to.