To define, usually by a map or plan, sometimes by staking the ground.
1748. This Morning began our Intended business of Laying of [sic] Lots.—G. Washington, ‘Journal,’ March 30. (N.E.D.)
1797. I have taken occasion to express my approbation of the American mode of laying out their new towns, in a general way, in straight lines.—Fra. Baily, F.R.S., ‘Journal of a Tour,’ p. 226 (Lond., 1856).
1842. [They answer] that the State Legislatures must lay off and prescribe the districts in their respective States.—Mr. Wright of N.Y., U.S. Senate, May 3: Cong. Globe, p. 467.
1850. In laying off a State, one thing should always be regarded, that you include in it, if you can, all the means of subsistence.—Mr. Thurston of Oregon, House of Repr., March 25: id., p. 347, App.
