Waylaying facts for kids

Waylaying, sometimes also called "laywaying," was a term used in the American Old West. It described a type of surprise attack. In these attacks, a person would hide and then suddenly attack someone who was passing by.

What Was Waylaying?

Waylaying was a specific way of carrying out an armed attack. The attacker would stay hidden, often waiting in an ambush. When their target came close, they would then attack them. It was a sudden and unexpected act.

How Did Waylaying Work?

Imagine someone hiding behind a bush or a rock next to a road. They would wait quietly until another person rode or walked past them. Then, they would suddenly appear and attack. This method was about surprise and catching the target off guard.

Waylaying in the Old West

In the American Old West, life could be tough. Sometimes, people had serious disagreements or "feuds." A historian named C.L. Sonnichsen studied this time. He explained that waylaying was sometimes seen as a way to deal with these conflicts. It was a hidden attack, often done from a secret spot by the road. The goal was to surprise the person they were targeting.