The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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]