layawayEtymologyDeverbal from lay away. The truly solidified verb (as contrasted with the merely misspelled one) is back-formed from the noun but is nonstandard.layaway means A pit in which hides are stored. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 89 out of 100.nounA pit in which hides are stored.The system of accepting a deposit and holding for a customer to complete a purchase.“A chain of local gun shops advertised, as a “Father's Day Sale,” the semiautomatic Intratec TEC-9, with extra ammo clip, case, and flash suppressor, reduced from $347.80 to $249.95 and available on layaway.”An item which has been held in this way.