Lain Word Meaning

Old English licgan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch liggen and German liegen, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek lektron, lekhos and Latin lectus ‘bed’

(of a person or animal) be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a supporting surface

be in horizontal or resting position

• the body lay face downwards on the grass
• I had to lie down because I was groggy
• Lily lay back on the pillows and watched him

be, remain, or be kept in a specified state

be or remain in specified state

• the abbey lies in ruins today
• putting homeless families into private houses that would otherwise lie empty

(of a place) be situated in a specified position or direction

be situated in specified position

• Kexby lies about five miles due east of York

(of an action, charge, or claim) be admissible or sustainable

be admissible or sustainable

• an action for restitution would lie for money paid in breach of the law