To lay about, or To lay about one, to strike vigorously in all
directions. J. H. Newman. -- To lay at, to strike or strike at.
Spenser. -- To lay for, to prepare to capture or assault; to lay wait
for. [Colloq.] Bp Hall. -- To lay in for, to make overtures for; to
engage or secure the possession of. [Obs.] "I have laid in for these."
Dryden. -- To lay on, to strike; to beat; to attack. Shak. -- To lay
out, to purpose; to plan; as, he lays out to make a journey.
Lay (?), n. 1. That which lies or is laid or is conceived of as having
been laid or placed in its position; a row; a stratum; a layer; as, a
lay of stone or wood. Addison.
A viol should have a lay of wire strings below.
Bacon.
The lay of a rope is right-handed or left-handed according to the hemp
or strands are laid up. See Lay, v. t., 16. The lay of land is its
topographical situation, esp. its slope and its surface features.