to put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest; set down: to lay a book on a desk.
to knock or beat down, as from an erect position; strike or throw to the ground: One punch laid him low.
to put or place in a particular position: The dog laid its ears back.
to cause to be in a particular state or condition: Their motives were laid bare.
to set, place, or apply (often followed by to or on ): to lay hands on a child.
to dispose or place in proper position or in an orderly fashion: to lay bricks.
to place on, along, or under a surface: to lay a pipeline.