11.12.2006

Bay, n.

1. An arm of the sea, extending into the land, not of any definite form, but smaller than a gulf, and larger than a creek. The name however is not used with much precision, and is often applied to large tracts of water, around which the land forms a curve, as Hudson's Bay. Nor is the name restricted to tracts of water with a narrow entrance, but used for any recess or inlet between capes of head lands, as the bay of Biscay.

2. A pond-head, or a pond formed by a dam, for the purpose of driving mill-wheels.

3. In a barn, a place between the floor and the end of the building, or a low inclosed place, for depositing hay.

In England, says Johnson, if a barn consists of a floor and two heads, where they lay corn, they call it a barn of two bays. These bays are from 14 to 20 feet long, and floors from 10 to 12 feet broad, and usually 20 feet long, which is the breadth of the barn.

4. In ships of war, that part on each side between decks which lies between the bitts.

5. Any kind of opening in walls.