lay

lay [-ing, -s, laid] v

OE lęcgan, cause to lie.

1. Exist; pass; be located.
2. Make; create; produce; manufacture.
3. Set; restore; return; put in place.
4. Be positioned; be pointed; be headed in a certain direction.
5. Arrange for; set on the table; place dishes in order for.
6. Phrase. “lay down”: rest; recline; [fig.] fall to sleep; [metaphor] die; give up life for another (see John 15:13).
7. Phrase. “lay … mad”: drive crazy; put in an excited state; cause to be angry, jealous, or amazed, or frantic.
8. Phase. “lay back”: return; put to rest in the grave.
9. Phrase. “lay together”: compress; pack; squeeze; push towards each other.
10. Phrase. “Now I lay thee down to sleep”: now I place you in a position to rest; [fig.] now I must resign myself to your death; [parody of the children's prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep”]: now I place you in the grave / I ask the Lord to watch over your body / And if you are still alive somewhere awaiting the resurrection / I ask the Lord to restore your soul's body to your soul's spirit.