Definitions of lay:

• noun:   a narrative poem of popular origin
• noun:   a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
• verb:   impose as a duty, burden, or punishment

  Example: "Lay a responsibility on someone"

• verb:   put in a horizontal position

  Example: "Lay the books on the table"

• verb:   lay eggs

  Example: "This hen doesn't lay"

• verb:   prepare or position for action or operation

  Example: "Lay a fire"

• verb:   put into a certain place or abstract location
• adjective:   not of or from a profession

  Example: "A lay opinion as to the cause of the disease"

• adjective:   concerning those not members of the clergy

  Example: "The lay ministry"

• name:  A surname (common: 1 in 12500 families; popularity rank in the U.S.: #1530)