lay
From WikiWord, the free dictionary
/leɪ/
English
Definitions
noun
- Arrangement or relationship; layout.“the lay of the land”
- A share of the profits in a business.
- A lyrical, narrative poem written in octosyllabic couplets that often deals with tales of adventure and romance.
- The direction a rope is twisted.“Worm and parcel with the lay; turn and serve the other way.”
verb
- To place down in a position of rest, or in a horizontal position.“A shower of rain lays the dust.”
- To cause to subside or abate.
- To prepare (a plan, project etc.); to set out, establish (a law, principle).
- To install certain building materials, laying one thing on top of another.“lay brick; lay flooring”
noun
- A lake.
adjective
- Not belonging to the clergy, but associated with them.“They seemed more lay than clerical.”
- Non-professional; not being a member of an organized institution.
- Not educated or cultivated; ignorant.
verb
- To rest in a horizontal position on a surface.“The book lies on the table; the snow lies on the roof; he lies in his coffin”
- To be placed or situated.
- To abide; to remain for a longer or shorter time; to be in a certain state or condition.“The paper does not lie smooth on the wall.”
- Used with in: to be or exist; to belong or pertain; to have an abiding place; to consist.
noun
- A ballad or sung poem; a short poem or narrative, usually intended to be sung.“1805 The Lay of the Last Minstrel, Sir Walter Scott.”
noun
- A meadow; a lea.
noun
- A law.
- An obligation; a vow.
verb
- To don or put on (tefillin (phylacteries)).
Related words
Synonyms
ascribeattributebecalmsettle downlie bylie withsleep withsetput downreposeputpositionplaceprofanenonprofessionallaicsecularballad