lay claim to (something)

lay claim to (something)

To assert that one has the legal or proper right to own or possess something. If no one lays claim to the wallet within 48 hours, you'll be able to keep it for yourself. The youngest son is laying claim to the business now that their father has passed away.See also: claim, lay

lay claim to something

to place a claim on something. Do you really think you can lay claim to that money after all these years? Someone came by and laid claim to the wallet you found.See also: claim, lay

lay claim to

Assert one's right to or ownership of, as in "What claim lays she to thee?" (Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors, 3:2). [Late 1500s] Also see stake a claim. See also: claim, lay

lay ˈclaim to something

state that you have a right to something: ‘The Lamb and Flag’ lays claim to being the oldest pub in London.See also: claim, lay, something

lay claim to

To assert one's right to or ownership of.See also: claim, lay