Definition of belays:
(v) :
(transitive, climbing) To handle a climbing rope to prevent (a climber) from falling to the ground.
(v) :
(ambitransitive, nautical) To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.
(v) :
(transitive) To lay aside; to stop; to cancel.
(v) :
(intransitive, nautical) The general command to stop or cease.
(n) :
(climbing) The securing of a rope to a rock or other sturdy object.
(n) :
(climbing) The object to which a rope is secured.