by the bye

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To Mr. Richardson we are indebted for a fuller examination of this phrase, than other lexicographers have given it. In this expression the latter bye seems to be the same bye as in by-law, &c., and of course to admit a similar explanation. In Lord Bacon; "there is upon the by to be noted," that is, upon the way, in passing, indirectly, this being a collateral and not the main object of pursuit. In Ben Jonson; "those who have saluted poetry on the by;" on their way, in passing; poetry being the collateral and not the direct or main object of their pursuit. By the bye then is by the way, in passing, such being a collateral and not a main object.--Richardson, Dictionary.

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