Dictionary

byway en · NOUN

From Middle English bywey, equivalent to by- + way.

A road or track not following a main route; a secondary or minor road or path.
- Near-synonyms: back road, back street, back lane
- Although some of its individuality has been lost, this railway byway in North Essex still retains its charm, and is well worthy of exploration by railway enthusiasts. 1960 April 14, “Colne Valley Centenary”, in Railway Magazine, page 224:
A road that is not frequently travelled.
(broadly) a little-known or arcane field of study or detail.
- Though his account of written communication over the past 5,000 years necessarily has a powerful forward momentum, his diversions down the fascinating byways of the subject are irresistible ... 2013 September 14, Jane Shilling, “The Golden Thread: the Story of Writing, by Ewan Clayton, review [print edition: Illuminating language]”, in The Daily Telegraph (Review), page R29:

Spelling	Features	Labels	Source
byeway		alternative	lexicographic
by-way		alternative	lexicographic
byways	Number=Plur		lexicographic