transitive verb
1. : to store up : lay by
lay in an ample supply of groceries
2. archaic : to assert as a claim
3.
a. : to paint in roughly subject to finishing, elaboration, or addition
b. : to put (masses of color) on a canvas
helped him to lay the background blues and browns in
4.
a. : to heel in (a plant)
b. : train IV 2
5. Britain : to shut down or discontinue working (a colliery or coal pit)