STRAY, The elements of this word are not certainly known. L., G., to wander, to strike both probably from the root of reach, stretch. See Straggle.
1. To wander, as from a direct course to deviate or go out of the way. We say, to stray from the path or road into the forest or wood.
2. To wander from company, or from the proper limits as, a sheep strays from the flock a horse strays from an inclosure.
3. To rove to wander from the path of duty or rectitude to err to deviate.
We have erred and strayed--
4. To wander to rove at large to play free and unconfined.
Lo, the glad gales oer all her beauties stray, breathe on her lips and in her bosom play.
5. To wander to run a serpentine course.
Where Thames among the wanton valley strays.
STRAY, To mislead. Not in use.
STRAY, n.
1. Any domestic animal that has left an inclosure or its proper place and company, and wanders at large or is lost. The laws provide that strays shall be taken up, impounded and advertised.
Seeing him wander about, I took him up for a stray.
2. The act of wandering. Little used.