The term 'at bay' is a phrase that is used to describe a situation in which someone or something is held back, contained, or prevented from advancing. The crossword solutions for this term are 'treed', 'trapped', and 'cornered'. 'Treed' means to be forced up a tree, usually by a wild animal, and unable to escape. 'Trapped' means to be confined in an enclosed space with no way out. 'Cornered' means to be placed in a difficult situation with no escape or alternative. All three of these words describe a situation in which someone or something is held back, contained, or prevented from advancing, which is the definition of the phrase 'at bay'.