1) To re-steel a cutting instrument, a word first recorded in 1475-6 (OED).
1580 for laynge one axe vijd
1581 Item for layinge ij axes, xiiijd, Stockeld.
2) A noun with the meaning tax or rate.
The first example quoted was a payment for a ferry crossing: 1530 for the ferelay at Lytilburgh, York although lays were more usually township or parish charges: 1579 for on laye to the churche of Spofforthe vjs, Stockeld
1608 controversie touching certaine laies and sessmentes latelie imposed, Ampleforth
1621 Netherthwonge is a Hamlett within the Towneshipp of Meltame and ... itt bearethe a third of all layes
1642 wee must pay Noutheard-wages, and Sesses and layes, Elmswell.