v. Obs. Also 4 co(u)ntrewaite, -wayte. [a. AF. countre-, ONF. contrewaiter, OF. contreguaitier, f. contre against + guaitier, in ONF. waiter, to WAIT, watch.] trans. To lie in wait against; to watch against.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Melib., ¶ 353 (Harl. MS.). Þanne schal ȝe euermore counterwayte enbusshementz and alle espiaille.
1562. Phaër, Æneid, IX. A a ij b. Aye watching lyke some Wolfe … counterwaiting shipfold cots.
1602. Carew, Cornwall, 29 b. Another troope com’s in with fire and sword, Yet cowardly, close counterwaite his way.
Hence Counterwaiting ppl. a.
1594. Carew, Tasso (1881), 66. Their returne … Was by the counterwayting foe distrest.
