What is "at bay"

late 14c., originally often at the bay; see bay (n.3). Figurative use, of human beings in difficulties, is from c.1400. The expression reflects the former more widespread use of at. Earlier the expression be at abai was used of the hunted animal, "be unable to escape," c.1300, from French.

prep.phr. (context set phrase idiomatic English) Unable to come closer; at a distance.

adj. forced to turn and face attackers; "a stag at bay"; "she had me cornered between the porch and her car"; "like a trapped animal" [syn: at bay(p), cornered, trapped, treed]

At Bay is a 1915 silent film drama directed by George Fitzmaurice and starring Florence Reed. It is based on a 1913 Broadway play, At Bay, by George Scarborough and produced by the Shuberts. On stage, Reed's starring part was played by Chrystal Herne. The film is lost.