lye

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)An alkaline liquid made by leaching ashes (usually wood ashes).
2. (countable, uncountable)Potassium or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda).

   “She had not left the lye in too long so that the hair would fall out in clumps later.”

3. (alt-of, obsolete)Obsolete spelling of lie.
4. (UK)A short side line, connected with the main line; a turn-out; a siding.

   “Brakevan lye. [same page in the main text] There is also an inclined lye for brakevans at each end of the yard.”

verb

1. To treat with lye.
2. (alt-of, obsolete)Obsolete spelling of lie.

   “Now negligent of sports I lye, And now as other Fawkners use, I spring a mistresse, sweare, write, sigh and weepe: And the game kill'd, or lost, goe talk, and sleepe.”

   “But when his foe lyes proſtrate on the plain, He ſheaths his paws, uncurls his angry mane; And, pleas'd with bloudleſs honours of the day, Walks over, and diſdains th' inglorious Prey,[…]”

name

1. A suburban area in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, West Midlands, England (OS grid ref SO9284).
2. (rare)A diminutive of the female given name Lyanna.