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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Relay \Re*lay"\ (r?-l?"), n. [F. relais (cf. OF. relais
relaxation, discontinuance, It. rilascio release, relief,
rilasso relay), fr. OF. relaissier to abandon, release, fr.
L. relaxare. See {Relax}.]
1. A supply of anything arranged beforehand for affording
relief from time to time, or at successive stages;
provision for successive relief. Specifically:
(a) A supply of horses placced at stations to be in
readiness to relieve others, so that a trveler may
proceed without delay.
(b) A supply of hunting dogs or horses kept in readiness
at certain places to relive the tired dogs or horses,
and to continue the pursuit of the game if it comes
that way.
(c) A number of men who relieve others in carrying on some
work.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Elec.) In various forms of telegraphic apparatus, a
magnet which receives the circuit current, and is caused
by it to bring into into action the power of a local
battery for performing the work of making the record;
also, a similar device by which the current in one circuit
is made to open or close another circuit in which a
current is passing.
[1913 Webster]

{Relay battery} (Elec.), the local battery which is brought
into use by the action of the relay magnet, or relay.
[1913 Webster]


Relay \Re*lay"\ (r?-l?"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Relaid} (-l?d);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Relaying}.] [Pref. re- lay, v.]
To lay again; to lay a second time; as, to relay a pavement.
[1913 Webster]


Relay \Re*lay"\, a. (Mach.)
Relating to, or having the characteristics of, an auxiliary
apparatus put into action by a feeble force but itself
capable of exerting greater force, used to control a
comparatively powerful machine or appliance.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]