layne

verb

ˈlān

-ed/-ing/-s

transitive verb

chiefly Scottish : to hold back, conceal, or disguise (information)

intransitive verb

chiefly Scottish : to refrain from telling something

Word History

Etymology

Middle English laynen, from Old Norse leyna to conceal; akin to Old English lȳgnan to deny, Old High German lougnen, Gothic laugujan to deny, Old Norse ljūga to lie, tell a lie

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!