Definition of the word lay about

The phrase "lay about" is an informal and colloquial expression originating in the mid-17th century. It derives from the verb "lay," which historically meant "to strike or hit" in addition to its more common meaning "to place." At the time, when someone would prepare to strike another person or an object, they would raise their arm or weapon and hold it momentarily, as if "laying" it out or "laying it about." Thus, to "lay about" originally meant to strike with force and aggression, almost like sweeping across an area with a weapon. Over time, the meaning of "lay about" evolved to refer not only to physical violence but also to more figurative expressions of force or aggression. In modern usage, it often connotes an excessive or unrestrained use of strength, whether in the form of a physical attack or a verbal outburst. Ultimately, the origins and evolution of "lay about" show how a simple historical sense can persist and be transformed over time, becoming enriched with new meanings in the process.