lay

(noun) a narrative song with a recurrent refrain. Synonyms: ballad.

(noun) a narrative poem of popular origin. Synonyms: ballad.

(verb) put into a certain place or abstract location. Synonyms: put, set, place, pose, position. Examples: "Put your things here." "Set the tray down." "Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children." "Place emphasis on a certain point."

(verb) put in a horizontal position. Synonyms: put down, repose. Examples: "Lay the books on the table." "Lay the patient carefully onto the bed."

(verb) prepare or position for action or operation. Examples: "Lay a fire." "Lay the foundation for a new health care plan."

(verb) lay eggs. Examples: "This hen doesn't lay."

(verb) impose as a duty, burden, or punishment. Examples: "Lay a responsibility on someone."

(verb) be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position. Synonyms: lie.

(verb) be lying, be prostrate; be in a horizontal position. Synonyms: lie. Examples: "The sick man lay in bed all day." "The books are lying on the shelf."

(verb) originate (in). Synonyms: dwell, consist, lie, lie in. Examples: "The problems dwell in the social injustices in this country."

(verb) be and remain in a particular state or condition. Synonyms: lie. Examples: "Lie dormant."

(verb) tell an untruth; pretend with intent to deceive. Synonyms: lie. Examples: "Don't lie to your parents." "She lied when she told me she was only 29."

(verb) have a place in relation to something else. Synonyms: lie, rest. Examples: "The fate of bosnia lies in the hands of the west." "The responsibility rests with the allies."

(verb) assume a reclining position. Synonyms: lie down, lie. Examples: "Lie down on the bed until you feel better."

(adj) characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy. Synonyms: laic, secular. Examples: "Set his collar in laic rather than clerical position." "The lay ministry."

(adj) not of or from a profession. Examples: "A lay opinion as to the cause of the disease."