lie-by

[ lahy-bahy ]

noun

, British.

, plural lie-bys.

1. a paved section alongside a highway for automobiles in need of emergency repairs.
2. a railroad siding.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lie-by¹

First recorded in 1640–50; noun use of verb phrase lie by

Example Sentences

And then, after a long lie-by and a nap in the heat of the day, he begged to be allowed to bear a hand in the process of inspanning, and felt as proud as Punch when he found himself holding a couple of reims, at the end of which were as many big black oxen, even though he had but a confused idea as to what he should do with them.

From Project Gutenberg

Then we lie-by till three or four in the afternoon, or maybe longer, and trek the best part of the night.

From Project Gutenberg

There were two things which more immediately contributed to the defeating their design; the one was, that though five of them were to die the next day, yet four of them were so drunk that they were not able to work; the other was that they were so negligent in providing candles that two hours after they were locked up they were forced to lie-by for want of light.

From Project Gutenberg

It is he who giveth power to the faint, and who, to them that have no might, encreaseth strength, so that the poor lifeless, languishing lie-by is made to mount up with eagles' wings, and surmount all these difficulties, with a holy facility, which were simply insuperable, and pure impossibilities.

From Project Gutenberg

You have had your reward, I suppose, in a handsome present from the Admiral's widow, and you may now lie-by for a season, without caring much as to the manner in which they build their ships in future.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• breathe
• lean
• lie down
• relax
• sit down
• stretch out