The word "laying" generally refers to the act of putting something down or placing it in a particular position. It can also indicate the process of creating or establishing something, such as laying a foundation for a building, laying down rules, or laying out a plan. In certain contexts, "laying" can also imply the act of producing eggs, as in the case of birds or reptiles.
The word "laying" comes from the Old English word "leah," which means "to lay down" or "to place." It is derived from the verb "lay," which has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*laidijan," meaning "to lay down."