lay

⁵lay

adj \ˈlā\

Definition of LAY

1

: of or relating to the laity : not ecclesiastical

2

: of or relating to members of a religious house occupied with domestic or manual work <a lay brother>

3

: not of a particular profession <the lay public>; also : lacking extensive knowledge of a particular subject

Examples of LAY

1. a science magazine written for the lay public

Origin of LAY

Middle English, from Anglo-French lai, from Late Latin laicus, from Greek laikos of the people, from laos people

First Known Use: 15th century