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Hail Mary
Word forms: plural Hail Marys
countable noun
A Hail Mary is a prayer to the Virgin Mary that is said by Roman Catholics.
Hail Mary in British English
noun
1. Also called: Ave Maria Roman Catholic Church
a prayer to the Virgin Mary, based on the salutations of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth (Luke 1:42) to her
2. American football slang
a very long high pass into the end zone, made in the final seconds of a half or of a game
Hail Mary in American English
Word forms: plural Hail Marys
1. see Ave Maria
2. US, American Football
a play, usually used in desperation in the last seconds of a game or half, in which a long, high pass is thrown to any of several receivers in one area of the end zone
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