[f. BY- 3 b + CHANNEL.] A side-stream apart from the main channel; fig. a collateral branch (of a family).
1628. Earle, Microcosm. (Arb.), 71. Not a by-Channell or bastard escapes him.
1864. Bates, Nat. Amazons, Pref. 6. The network of by-channels and lakes which everywhere accompanies its [the Amazon’s] course.
