Deposits of Ancient Rome perhaps (4)

I believe the answer is:

lays

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'deposits' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for lays that I've seen before include "literary works?" , "Produces eggs" , "Minstrel's melodies" , "How Pertelote produces" , "Puts down; songs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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