To "belay" a line means to do what?

To "belay" a line means to secure it to a cleat. This is a fundamental skill in boating and seamanship, as properly belaying a line prevents it from moving or getting loose, ensuring safety and stability for the vessel. When a line is belayed, it is typically wrapped around a cleat in a figure-eight pattern, which allows for easy adjustments while still maintaining security. This practice is essential for activities such as mooring or securing a boat to a dock, enabling the crew to manage lines effectively and reduce the risk of accidents or equipment loss.

When comparing this to the other options, intentionally loosening a line, throwing it out, or coiling it neatly do not align with the definition of belaying. These actions might have their own purposes in boat handling but do not fulfill the function of securing a line in place.