Dictionary entry

Lay (5)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Lay, n. [OF. lei faith, law, F. loi law. See Legal.] 1. Faith; creed; religious profession.

Of the sect to which that he was born

He kept his lay, to which that he was sworn. Chaucer.

2. A law. “Many goodly lays.” Spenser.

3. An obligation; a vow.

They bound themselves by a sacred lay and oath. Holland.