It may hold what is laid on the table (6)
I believe the answer is:
eggcup
This could be a double definition.
'it may hold what is laid' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'the table' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'on' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for eggcup that I've seen before include "Bearer of breakfast (with soldiers)" , "Breakfast placed here" , "Holder of an oval thing" , "what held a problem for curate?" .)