laid laid /ˈleɪd/

adjective

1. () Set down according to a plan  ( laid , set )
   set down according to a plan
    A carefully laid table with places set for four people
   a carefully laid table with places set for four people
    Stones laid in a pattern
   stones laid in a pattern
   

 lay lay /ˈleɪ/

adjective

1. () Characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy  ( laic , secular , lay )
   characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy
    Set his collar in laic rather than clerical position
   set his collar in laic rather than clerical position
    The lay ministry
   the lay ministry
   
2. Not of or from a profession  ( lay )
   not of or from a profession
    A lay opinion as to the cause of the disease
   a lay opinion as to the cause of the disease
   

noun

1. A narrative poem of popular origin  ( lay , ballad )
   a narrative poem of popular origin
   
2. A narrative song with a recurrent refrain  ( lay , ballad )
   a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
   

verb

1. () Put into a certain place or abstract location  ( pose , position , lay , place , put , set )
   put into a certain place or abstract location
    Put your things here
   Put your things here
    Set the tray down
   Set the tray down
    Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children
   Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children
    Place emphasis on a certain point
   Place emphasis on a certain point
   
2. () Put in a horizontal position  ( repose , put down , lay )
   put in a horizontal position
    Lay the books on the table
   lay the books on the table
    Lay the patient carefully onto the bed
   lay the patient carefully onto the bed
   
3. () Prepare or position for action or operation  ( lay )
   prepare or position for action or operation
    Lay a fire
   lay a fire
    Lay the foundation for a new health care plan
   lay the foundation for a new health care plan
   
4. () Lay eggs  ( lay )
   lay eggs
    This hen doesn't lay
   This hen doesn't lay
   
5. () Impose as a duty, burden, or punishment  ( lay )
   impose as a duty, burden, or punishment
    Lay a responsibility on someone
   lay a responsibility on someone