by-talk

[ bahy-tawk ]

noun

1. incidental conversation; small talk; chitchat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of by-talk¹

First recorded in 1555–65; by- + talk

Example Sentences

To this bit of by-talk the Commissioner and Martin had been paying a desultory attention as they sipped their tea.

From Project Gutenberg

Furthermore, they may see in his orations he wrote in certain causes to serve him when he pleaded: that he sought occasions in his by-talk to shew men that he was excellently well learned.

From Project Gutenberg

"Be it so," replied Maxwell, whose suspicions, as Vernon had intended, were diverted by this by-talk.

From Project Gutenberg

Later, he had to attend a couple of board meetings, which ran off into protracted by-talk, and the rainy twilight had fallen before his office knew him again.

From Project Gutenberg

I walked in loamy Wessex lanes, afar From rail-track and from highway, and I heard In field and farmstead many an ancient word Of local lineage like "Thu bist," "Er war," "Ich woll," "Er sholl," and by-talk similar, Nigh as they speak who in this month's moon gird At England's very loins, thereunto spurred By gangs whose glory threats and slaughters are.

From Project Gutenberg