Verb

1. To give up, surrender, or yield (e.g. a weapon), usually by placing it on the ground.

   The police urged the gunman to lay down his weapon.

   Lay down your arms.

2. To specify, institute, enact, assert firmly, state authoritatively, establish or formulate (rules or policies).

   Let's lay down the rules right at the beginning, so we are consistent.

   You've got to lay down the law with that boy.

3. To stock, store (e.g. wine) for the future. See also lay by.
4. To sacrifice, especially in the phrase "to lay down one's life."
5. To lie down; to place oneself in a reclined or horizontal position, on a bed or similar, for the purpose of resting.

   I feel a bit ill, so I'm going to go lay down for a while.