lay about one



lay about one

1. Strike blows on all sides, as in When the dogs cornered the old man, he laid about him with his cane. [Early 1400s]
2. Act vigorously, make strenuous efforts, as in When there was an opportunity for profit, he laid about him. [c. 1600]
See also: lay, one

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Alazne-Basque
ElmoEL-moEnglish, German, Italian
Vassilyvah-SEE-leeRussian
Gulshan-Indian, Hindi, Urdu
Bibianabee-BYAH-nah (Italian, Spanish)Italian, Spanish, Late Roman
Basim-Arabic