Definition of "lay-away" [lay-away]

• The vat in which hides are laid for tanning; also, the liquor in which they are steeped. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Some would also use lay-away or lay-buy plans, but these largely disappeared over the last decade or so."
• "To encourage shoppers to spring for more expensive items this holiday, Wal-Mart brought back lay-away, which allows customers to set aside items and pay for them over time."
• "The season of consumer coverage culminated with warm stories of anonymous donors paying off lay-away bills at K-Mart."