Waylayer: meaning, definitions and examples

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waylayer

 

[ หˆweษชหŒleษช.ษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

route blocker

A waylayer is an individual who blocks or obstructs a pathway or route, often with the intention of ambushing travelers. This term historically refers to those who would waylay unsuspecting individuals for robbery or harm. The practice of waylaying often occurred in remote or perilous locations, adding a sense of danger to travel. Although more common in historical contexts, the concept can still apply in modern narratives, such as in literature and film.

Synonyms

ambusher, bandit, mugger, robber

Examples of usage

  • The waylayer ambushed the travelers on the deserted road.
  • Travelers were warned of the notorious waylayer lurking in the woods.
  • The story told of a waylayer who was finally brought to justice.

Translations

Translations of the word "waylayer" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น caminho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคพเคฐเฅเค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wegschicht

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jalur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะปัั…

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล›cieลผka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้“ใฎใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท chemin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ camino

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yol

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทุฑูŠู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cesta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ cesta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้“่ทฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pot

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leiรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะพะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yol

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ camino

Etymology

The term 'waylayer' derives from the Old English word 'waeg' meaning 'way' combined with 'lay' from 'layen', which means to lay in wait. Historically, it described those who would lie in wait along roads and pathways to accost travelers. The practice of waylaying is prominent in various folk tales and legends, often reinforcing the dangers of travel during times when law enforcement was limited. Over time, the term has evolved but continues to evoke imagery of treachery and surprise ambushes, especially in storytelling and historical accounts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,538, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.