verb

• (ambitransitive, nautical) To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.
• (transitive, climbing) To handle a climbing rope to prevent (a climber) from falling to the ground.
  "He would need an experienced partner to belay him on the difficult climbs."
• (transitive) To lay aside; to stop; to cancel.
  "Belay that order!"
• (intransitive, nautical) The general command to stop or cease.

noun

• (climbing) The securing of a rope to a rock or other sturdy object.
• (climbing) The object to which a rope is secured.
• (climbing) A location at which a climber stops and builds an anchor with which to secure their partner.
  "But instead of swapping over at the ice axe belay, you carry on in the lead, cutting or kicking steps until you are about twenty feet above."