Also by-by, and simply bye. A sound used to lull a child to sleep; hence, a childish name for ‘sleep’ or ‘bed.’
1636. N. Wallington in Ann. Dubrensia (1877), 32. Pug sang By-babie, with delightfull charmes.
1689. in Gazophyl. Angl.
1721–1800. Bailey, By by … commonly Sung by Nurses to cause their Nurslings to fall asleep.
1867. Miss Broughton, Cometh up as Fl., xxii. Go to bye bye.
1885. G. H. Boughton, Sk. Rambles Holland, x. 144. Various strange ‘by-by’s’ that he has gone to in his time.
Nursery Rhyme. Bye, baby bunting.
