by-the-way,n. [f.phr.by the way: see by prep. 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.1907Daily Chron. 2 Oct. 3/3 Here are two ‘by-the-ways’ from her pages of observation.