layaway
UK[ˈleɪəweɪ]US[ˈleɪəˌweɪ]
n
A method of buying goods by making a series of small payments before the goods can be taken.
n
An article or merchandise reserved in this way.
Morpheme Breakdown
lay
away
lay
to place
away
from here
Etymology
The term "layaway" is a transparent compound formed from two common English words, "lay" and "away," which together create a vivid image of the purchasing process. The verb "lay," with its Old English origins meaning to place or put down, combines with the adverbial particle "away," suggesting the action of setting something aside or apart. This literal sense of "laying merchandise away" for a customer evolved in 20th-century American retail to denote a specific payment plan. The logic is direct: the item is physically or figuratively placed aside ("laid away") in storage until the buyer completes a series of installment payments, at which point they can take it home.
Analysis
Structure: lay (to place) + away (from here)
- lay: From Old English lecgan (to place, put down). In this compound, it functions as a verb root meaning "to place or deposit."
- away: From Old English aweg, on weg (on one's way, from this place). In this compound, it functions as an adverbial particle indicating separation or removal.
Examples
She put the winter coat on layaway in August to pay for it gradually.
The store's layaway program helped many families budget for holiday gifts.
He finally made the last payment and picked up the furniture from layaway.