Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Lay, Lai, Leay, later varr. of Ly v. in various senses: to lie, be recumbent, be situated, rest, etc. 1587 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II. 438.
The tenementis … layand withtin the burght of Aberdene ?1549 Monro W. Isles 14.
Northwart from this ile … layes Elsay 1607 Sc. Ant. XV. 141.
I am buirdet as … I tauld yow … and I lay as ȝit myn alane in the chamber 1641 Wemyss in Sc. Diaries 124.
He did leay doune betuix Leith and Bruneiland and refreshed his men 1649 Wemyss Chart. II. 232.
Docktir Arnots stone … lais in the lokkit shotill of my kalbinett 1650 Short Reply Unto Declaration of the Army of England 9.
Religion … is troden under foot, and layes in the dust c1650 Killing of Dog in Bk. Pasquils (1827) ii. 4.
Heir layes a doge, quhosse qualities did plead [etc.] 1655 Lamont Diary 83.
The English garison, that lays att the palace of Fackland Ib. 91.
[He] was found dead … , laying by the high way syde 1657 Balfour Ann. II. 72.
Quherin layes Noua Guinea [etc.] 1661 Red Bk. Grandtully I. ci.
My difficultie layes with the Erle of Lautherdale 1662 Highland P. III. 22.
[His] daughter … was laying seick of a very unnaturall disease 1678 Dunkeld Presb. I. 209.