Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LAY, v.i.

1. To bring or produce eggs. Hens will greedily eat the herb that will make them lay the better. – Mortimer.
2. To contrive; to form a scheme. [Unusual.] To lay about, to strike or throw the arms on all sides; to act with vigor. – Spenser. South. To lay at, to strike or to endeavor to strike. The sword of him that layeth at him can not hold. Job. xii. To lay in for, to make overtures for; to engage or secure the possession of. I have laid in for these. – Dryden. To lay on, to strike; to beat; to deal blows incessantly and with vehemence. #2. To act with vehemence; used of expenses. Shak. To lay out, to purpose; to intend. He lays out to make a journey. #2. To take measures. I made strict enquiry wherever I came, and laid out for intelligence of all places. – Woodward. To lay upon, to importune. [Obs.]