definition of
lay

[1] #1 lay v. [put, set, place, pose, position] put into a certain place or abstract location; "Put your things here"; "Set the tray down"; "Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children"; "Place emphasis on a certain point". wn

[2] #2 lay v. [put down, repose] put in a horizontal position; "lay the books on the table"; "lay the patient carefully onto the bed". wn

[3] #3 lay v. prepare or position for action or operation; "lay a fire"; "lay the foundation for a new health care plan". wn

[4] #4 lay v. lay eggs; "This hen doesn't lay". wn

[5] #5 lay s. [laic, secular] characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy; "set his collar in laic rather than clerical position"; "the lay ministry". wn