Dictionary definition · lay
noun
- a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
- a narrative poem of popular origin
verb
- put into a certain place or abstract location"Put your things here"
- put in a horizontal position"lay the books on the table"
- prepare or position for action or operation"lay a fire"
- lay eggs"This hen doesn't lay"
- impose as a duty, burden, or punishment"lay a responsibility on someone"
adjective
- characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy"set his collar in laic rather than clerical position"
- not of or from a profession"a lay opinion as to the cause of the disease"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).