'by the by' definitions:

Definition of 'by the by'

From: GCIDE
  • Bye \Bye\ (b[imac]), n.
  • 1. A thing not directly aimed at; something which is a secondary object of regard; an object by the way, etc.; as in on or upon the bye, i. e., in passing; indirectly; by implication. [Obs. except in the phrase by the bye.] [1913 Webster]
  • The Synod of Dort condemneth upon the bye even the discipline of the Church of England. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Cricket) A run made upon a missed ball; as, to steal a bye. --T. Hughes. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. In various sports in which the contestants are drawn in pairs, the position or turn of one left with no opponent in consequence of an odd number being engaged; as, to draw a bye in a round of a tennis tournament. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  • 4. (Golf) The hole or holes of a stipulated course remaining unplayed at the end of a match. [1913 Webster]
  • By the bye, in passing; by way of digression; apropos to the matter in hand. [Written also by the by.] [1913 Webster]