# at bay

> English word · Prep_phrase

## Definitions
1. Unable to come closer; at a distance.
2. Cornered; unable to flee.
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”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/at-bay