[cf. Ger. kirchweg.]
1. The public way leading to a church.
1598. Manwood, Lawes Forest, xxiii. (1615), 228. If any man haue stopped or strayted any Church-way, Mill-way, or other wayes in the Forest.
1615. in N. Riding Rec., II. 90. The Church-way in Alne being in decay.
attrib. 1590. Shaks., Mids. N., V. i. 389. The graues, all gaping wide, Euery one lets forth his spright, In the Church-way paths to glide.
1783. Crabbe, Village, II. 6. The ’squire’s tall gate and churchway-walk between.
† 2. The manner or usage of a church. Obs.
1647. Saltmarsh, Sparkl. Glory (1847), 39. Our controversies in these outward things and Churchways.
1649. trans. Behmen’s Ep., xxxiv. (1886), 19. Their formal church-ways of worship.
1689. Foxes & Firebr., III. 219. None … but only they who are members in a church-way.
