lay

(design engineering) The direction, length, or angle of twist of the strands in a rope or cable.
(metallurgy) The direction of the prevailing surface pattern on a piece of metal after grinding, cutting, lapping, or other processing.
(mining engineering) A share of profit.

Idioms beginning with lay:
lay a finger on
lay an egg
lay by
lay at someone's door
lay claim to
lay down the law
lay for
lay hold of
lay in
lay odds
lay of the land, the
lay open
lay someone low
lay waste

See also let it lay. Also see under laid up; lie; put.