Also 7–8 bye-end. [f. BY- 3 c, d + END.] An object lying aside from the main one; a subordinate end or aim; esp. a secret selfish purpose, a covert purpose of private advantage. Hence † By-ended ppl. a., having by-ends.
c. 1610. Sir J. Melvil, Mem. (1683), 104. He took better with these of my hands, who he knew had no by-end.
1633. Sanderson, 2 Serm. ad Aul. (1681), II. 38. If we do … serviceable offices to our Brethren, out of any By-end or Sinister respect.
1651. J. Rocket, Chr. Subject, vii. (1658), 96. Tyranny … consists in the … arbitrarie … immoderate, and by-ended exercise of power.
1678. Bunyan, Pilgr. Progr., 140, marg. How By-ends got his name.
1760. Law, Spirit of Prayer, II. 110. Love is quite pure; it hath no by-ends.
1869. Goulburn, Purs. Holiness, xiii. 120. A man with a double aim or by-end.
