Dictionary

Arrangement or relationship; layout.

Example: 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.

Example: Worm and parcel with the lay; turn and serve the other way.

To place down in a position of rest, or in a horizontal position.

Example: 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.

Example: lay brick;  lay flooring

A lake.

Not belonging to the clergy, but associated with them.

Example: They seemed more lay than clerical.

Non-professional; not being a member of an organized institution.

Not educated or cultivated; ignorant.

To rest in a horizontal position on a surface.

Example: 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.

Example: 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.

A ballad or sung poem; a short poem or narrative, usually intended to be sung.

Example: 1805 The Lay of the Last Minstrel, Sir Walter Scott.

A meadow; a lea.

A law.

An obligation; a vow.

To don or put on (tefillin (phylacteries)).