waylay

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To lie in wait for and attack from ambush.
  2. To accost or intercept unexpectedly.

Pronunciation

/ˌweɪˈleɪ/ /ˈweɪleɪ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Naomi Persephone Amethyst (NaomiAmethyst)-waylay.wav LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-waylay.wav LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-waylay2.wav

Word forms

waylay waylays waylaying waylaid waylayed

Etymology

From way + lay, likely a calque of Middle Dutch wegelagen (“besetting of ways, lying in wait with evil or hostile intent along public ways”). Compare Middle Low German wegelagen, German wegelagern (“to waylay; rob”).

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