beˈlaying, vbl. n.
[f. belay v. + -ing1.]
† 1. A lying in wait. Obs.
| 1677 Feltham Disc. Eccles. ii. 11, 346 Experienc'd in the belayings, the ingrossings, the circumventions of Merchandizing. |
2. Naut. The coiling of running ropes round pins, etc.; chiefly attrib., as in belaying-cleat, belaying-pin. Also in Mountaineering.
| 1836 Marryat Pirate iii, Ropes..neatly secured to copper belaying-pins. 1862 F. Griffiths Artil. Man. 133 The belaying cleats on the bow beam. 1903 Climbers' Club Jrnl. VI. 5 So excellent was the anchorage afforded by this colossal belaying-pin that [etc.]. 1920 G. Winthrop Young Mountain Craft v. 220 A direct belaying-point which only leaves a short run-out. |