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At bay

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https://wordcraft.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/932607094/m/7140071956

January 07, 2013, 19:00
Geoff
At bay
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?


It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti
January 07, 2013, 20:01
<Proofreader>
Offhand, I think it refers to hunting dogs baying (barking) at prey animals which they have cornered (at bay).
January 08, 2013, 01:14
arnie
Yes, the 'dog' reference seems to be the correct origin. See http://english.stackexchange.c...and-origin-of-at-bay


Build a man a fire and he's warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
January 08, 2013, 18:41
Geoff
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!


It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti
January 08, 2013, 20:25
Kalleh
arnie, you have the best sites! I love that site.
January 09, 2013, 05:30
<Proofreader>
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.
January 09, 2013, 20:21
Kalleh
Oh, you know me. I am always praising arnie. Wink Seriously, I think arnie has the best word related Blogs and Web sites.
January 10, 2013, 08:07
Geoff
Yeahbuttttt... Proof did answer first! They're both super good, IMHO!


It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti
January 10, 2013, 20:45
Kalleh
Agreed, Geoff. I was only talking about the site arnie linked to.