by way of

phrase3

1. •
   By the route of.

   • From Shakespeare to Milton by way of the English Bible, our language has been shaped by humanist ideas.
2. •
   For the purpose of; as a means of; as an instance of; as a type or form of.

   • By way of apology, he tried to be gallant.
   • By way of qualification, I should point out that…
3. •
   (UK) Possessing the characteristics, nature, or standing of; in the state or condition of.

   • Thoreau, too, come to think of it, was, by way of being a prophet, a pioneer in this Emancipation of Man from Bothery. — 1898