Also 8–9 kay. [var. of CAY, ad. Sp. cayo shoal, reef. The spelling and pron. are due to the influence of prec.] A low island, sand-bank, or reef, such as those common in the West Indies or off the coast of Florida. Cf. the place-name Key West.
1697. Dampier, Voy., I. 22. These Islands or Keys, as we call them, were first made the Rendezvous of Privateers in the year 1679. Ibid., 249. A mile and half from the shore there is a small Key, and within it is a very good Harbour.
1726. G. Roberts, Four Years Voy., 345. The Rock is … flat on the Top like a Key, which the Inhabitants call Kaay.
1761. Descr. S. Carolina, 63. There a pretty many Indians among the Kays, about the Cape of Florida.
1828. W. Irving, Columbus (1831), 167. He soon got entangled in a complete labyrinth of small islands and keys.
1885. C. F. Holder, Marvels Anim. Life, 22. The group, comprising seven or eight Keys, made up of coral, is surrounded by a long reef.
