by the lay

(nautical) Paid a portion of any profits from the voyage, rather than receiving wages.

日本語の意味

航海で得た利益の一部を、賃金の代わりに受け取ること

Rather than receiving fixed wages, the sailors were paid by the lay, taking a share of the voyage's profits.

乗組員は固定給ではなく、航海の利益の一部を受け取る歩合制で支払われた。

意味（1）

(nautical) Paid a portion of any profits from the voyage, rather than receiving wages.

Sailors on whaling ships were traditionally shipped by the lay.