transitive verb
1. : to mark or measure off ; specifically : to draw on the mold-loft floor to full dimensions the lines or outlines of (a ship and its members)
2. : to steer (a ship) away from the shore or from a pier or another ship
3.
a. of a bookmaker : to place all or part of (a bet accepted) with another bookmaker in order to reduce the risk
b. : to subscribe to or cause subscriptions to be made to (a new issue of securities offered to a corporation's stockholders) so as to reduce the liability of the issue's underwriters
4. : to distribute (a coat of paint) evenly
5. Midland : plan , intend
laid off to go to town the next day
6.
a. : to halt or suspend operation of (as a mill or factory)
b. : to cease to employ (a worker) usually temporarily because of slack in production and without prejudice to the worker — usually distinguished from fire
7. : to add (a card or cards) in rummy to sets already melded
8.
a. : to refrain or cease from pursuing or annoying : let alone
if you'll lay off me I'll promise not to do it again
b. : avoid , shun , quit
advised to lay off smoking and alcohol
intransitive verb
1. : to lie off
2.
a. : to stop work
time to lay off
b. : to take time off or a rest from working
lays off a couple of days each month
or activity
weekends he just likes to lay off