Definition of //,/, & and friends

[Norbert Klamann]

Hello all,
I discovered Lout some days ago and I think it's far more elegant
and simple than latex.
I try to understand the system and I am not able to find 
definitions of the Symbols(?) '/', '//', '|' , '&'. 
They are mentioned en passant in the documents, but their definition
is - if existing - not reachable from the indexes.
Can anyone supply pointers ?
Another point : Is something like LyX for lout in the works ?

Thanks for any help

Norbert Klamann