by-the-way,n.[f.phr.by the way: see byprep.12 b.]An incidental remark.1896Punch 1 Feb. 52/1,I think I may indulge myself with a short by-the-way on the subject of hampers.1907DailyChron.2 Oct. 3/3Here are two ‘by-the-ways’ from her pages of observation.