in the way of

preposition3

1. •
   In relation to; in connection with; with respect to.

   • He had seen Death many times, - met him in the way of trade, and got acquainted with him. — 1851
2. •
   In or into a position of being likely to obtain, to attain, or to achieve.

   • The King sought out the farmer who had been branded and sold as a slave . . . and put him in the way of a comfortable livelihood. — 1881
3. •
   Similar to; as an instance of; as a kind of.

   • "My dear young friend, rely upon my doing my little all in your absence, by keeping the fact before the mind of Joseph.—Joseph!" said Mr. Pumblechook, in the way of a compassionate adjuration. — 1860