Definify.com
Definition 2024
lay_about
lay about
See also: layabout
English
Verb
lay about (third-person singular simple present lays about, present participle laying about, simple past and past participle laid about or layed about)
- To strike blows in all directions.
- 1663, Hudibras, by Samuel Butler, part 1, canto 2
- [...] At beating quarters up, or forage, / Behaved herself with matchless courage; / And laid about in fight more busily / Than th' Amazonian Dame Penthesile.
- 1663, Hudibras, by Samuel Butler, part 1, canto 2
- To set about, with infinitive or gerund.