2 ms·

I think "lay" might be as literal as we would use it now.

• js2 3mo ago
  It's probably slang for "line of work: occupation": https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay See 3b under its noun definition. So: “Why, sir, in a manner of speaking: but some might say more on the porcupine-lay, the roving-line, if you understand me.” Translates to: “Why, sir, in a manner of speaking: but some might say more on the concubine-occupation, the roving-line [of work], if you understand me.” Then Jack, not wanting to embarrass Heaven for his malapropism, intentionaly reuses "porcupine" incorrectly.