by-path

[ bahy-path, -pahth ]

/ ˈbaɪˌpæθ, -ˌpɑθ /

a private path or an indirect or secondary course or means; byway.

Origin of by-path

1325–75; Middle English bi path. See by¹ (adj.), path

With an inward start she realized that they were on a by-path and beyond call of help.

Sir Christopher |Maud Wilder Goodwin
Thus he hastened away, and went round by a by-path to the hall.

The Trumpet-Major |Thomas Hardy
Then we struck a by-path which presently merged in a hard highway, running, as I judged, south-west by west.

Greenmantle |John Buchan
The last-named village is off the main road to the left, but a by-path can be taken which leads through it.

Wanderings in Wessex |Edric Holmes

During the pursuit he led it through a by-path to intercept a battery spurring down the road at full speed.

Four Years in Rebel Capitals |T. C. DeLeon