waylay

[ wey-ley, wey-ley ]

verb (used with object)

, way·laid [wey, -leyd, wey-, leyd], way·lay·ing.

1. to intercept or attack from ambush, as in order to rob, seize, or slay.
2. to await and accost unexpectedly:

   The actor was waylaid by a swarm of admirers.

waylay

/ weɪˈleɪ /

verb

1. to lie in wait for and attack
2. to await and intercept unexpectedly

Derived Forms

• wayˈlayer, noun

Other Words From

• waylayer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of waylay¹

First recorded in 1505–15; way ¹ + lay ¹, after Middle Low German, Middle Dutch wegelagen “to lie in wait,” derivative of wegelage “a lying in wait”

Word History and Origins

Origin of waylay¹

C16: from way + lay ¹

Example Sentences

Eager to be reunited with her husband Lim Lee, whose father was an American citizen, Shee voyaged from Hong Kong to San Francisco just before the 1924 Immigration Act, at which point the law’s enactment led to her being waylaid on Angel Island.

From Time

Then the gang did deliberately combine to waylay and attack Lieutenant Overton and Terry?

From Project Gutenberg

There are many matters in which you may waylay Destiny, and bid him stand and deliver.

From Project Gutenberg

"Really, there's a conspiracy of Brydones to waylay us this afternoon," Guy exclaimed, petulantly.

From Project Gutenberg

One way is, to waylay their schooner at sea, capture her, and then go into the Cove and destroy the settlement.

From Project Gutenberg

In my time it was kept and patrolled by a one-eyed, uncanny-looking old sweeper who used to waylay me for pennies.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accost