Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BAY, n.² [Qu. Gr. βαιον, a branch of the palm tree. In Sp. baya is a berry, the fruit of the laurel.]

1. The laurel tree. Hence,
2. Bays, in the plural, an honorary garland or crown, bestowed as a prize for victory or excellence, anciently made or consisting of branches of the laurel. The patriot's honors, and the poet's bays. – Trumbull.
3. In some parts of the United States, a tract of land covered with bay trees. – Drayton, S. Carolina.