Meaning of 'lay'

adjective

not of or from a profession

Example: "a lay opinion as to the cause of the disease"

adjective

characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy

Synonyms: secular

noun

a narrative poem of popular origin

Synonyms: ballad

noun

a narrative song with a recurrent refrain

Synonyms: ballad

verb

put into a certain place or abstract location

Synonyms: put

verb

put in a horizontal position

Example: "lay the books on the table"

Synonyms: repose

verb

lay eggs

Example: "This hen doesn't lay"

Synonyms: blow

verb

prepare or position for action or operation

Example: "lay a fire"

verb

impose as a duty, burden, or punishment

Example: "lay a responsibility on someone"