verb
- to stop or intercept someone unexpectedly, especially to attack or rob them
- to approach and detain someone in order to speak with them
Examples
- Bandits would waylay travelers on the mountain pass.
- The reporter tried to waylay the celebrity outside the restaurant.
- Thieves waylaid the merchant caravan at night.
- She was waylaid by her neighbor who wanted to chat about the weather.
- The protesters planned to waylay the politician as he left the building.
- Highway robbers used to waylay stagecoaches in the old west.
- I was waylaid by my boss just as I was leaving for lunch.