LAY TO

{v.} 1. To give the blame or credit to; to name as cause. * /He was unpopular and when he made money, it was laid to his dishonesty, but when he lost money, it was laid to his stupidity./ Compare: LAY AT ONE'S DOOR. 2. To hold a ship or boat still against the wind. * /The pirates decided to lay to that night and go ashore in the morning./ Compare: LIE TO. 3. To exert oneself; to work hard. * /He picked up a shovel and laid to with the rest of the gang./