[f. BACK a.] A way at the back, or leading to the back, of any place; hence, an indirect, roundabout way, a by-path.

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1577.  Holinshed, Chron., I. 38/2. The entries, the backwaies, and the whole situation thereof.

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1660.  Bond, Scut. Reg., 10. Death … still will have, A thousand backwayes to the grave.

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1709.  J. Stevens, Quevedo’s Com. Wks., 24. He should come in the back-way … and open the Garden Door.

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1866.  G. Macdonald, Ann. Q. Neighb., ii. (1878), 21. I would not creep out the back way.

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