A thing not directly aimed at; something which is a secondary object of regard; an object by the way, etc.; as in on or upon the bye, i. e., in passing; indirectly; by implication. [Obs. except in the phrase by the bye.]
The Synod of Dort condemneth upon the bye even the discipline of the Church of England.
A run made upon a missed ball; as, to steal a bye. (Cricket)
In various sports in which the contestants are drawn in pairs, the position or turn of one left with no opponent in consequence of an odd number being engaged; as, to draw a bye in a round of a tennis tournament.
The hole or holes of a stipulated course remaining unplayed at the end of a match. (Golf)
Phrases & Compounds
By the bye
in passing; by way of digression; apropos to the matter in hand.
Bye
n.
A dwelling.
In certain games, a station or place of an individual player.