Obs. Also 7–8 alay. [a. Norm. Fr. alais = OFr. eslais, ‘élan, saut,’ f. eslaissier to let out, let off. Cf. RELAY = Fr. relais (with which this is confounded by Phillips and Ash.)] The act of laying on the hounds.
1486. Bk. St. Albans, F j. Than let thyn houndes all togeder goo That called is an Allay.
1575. Turberville, Bk. Venerie, 243. When they tarre till the rest of the kennell come in, and then cast off, it is called an Allay.
1594[?]. Percy, Faery Past., 150 (Halliw.). With greyhounds … I made the alay to the deere.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., I. 93. Avaunt-laye, Allaye, Relaye. [See ABATURE.]
1658. Phillips, Alay, a Term us’d in Hunting, when fresh Dogs are sent into the Cry.
1775. Ash, Alay, an addition of fresh dogs to the cry.
