'To lay about one' definitions:

Definition of 'To lay about one'

From: GCIDE

Lay \Lay\, v. i.
1. To produce and deposit eggs. [1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) To take a position; to come or go; as, to lay forward; to lay aloft. [1913 Webster]
3. To lay a wager; to bet. [1913 Webster]
To lay about, or To lay about one, to strike vigorously in all directions. --J. H. Newman.
To lay at, to strike or strike at. --Spenser.
To lay for, to prepare to capture or assault; to lay wait for. [Colloq.] --Bp Hall.
To lay in for, to make overtures for; to engage or secure the possession of. [Obs.] "I have laid in for these." --Dryden.
To lay on, to strike; to beat; to attack. --Shak.
To lay out, to purpose; to plan; as, he lays out to make a journey. [1913 Webster]