A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Bygate, n. Also: bygait, -get. [By adv. 2.] An indirect way, a side-path.1530 Acta Conc. MS. XLI. 90.
That na man … pas fra the kingis army … nor pas ony by gaitis to incur ony danger 1533 Boece x. xii. 376.
Sum parte … fled … oure brayis, clyntis, craggis, sowchis & bygatis 1573 Tyrie Cath. Tr. 8/32.
He neuer ansueris to that quhilk was demandit of him: bot euer seikand refugis and bygets [etc.] 1596 Dalr. I. 102/11.
In the nycht seasone be troupis thay take mony by-gates Ib. 15.
Be boutgates alanerlie & bygates … thay cum quhair thay walde be 1609 Gardyne Garden 30.
What rage from right to rin, A beastlie bygate to embrace
