Stray (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Strayed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Straying.] [OF. estraier, estraer, to stray, or as adj., stray, fr. (assumed) L. stratarius roving the streets, fr. L. strata (sc. via) a paved road. See Street, and Stray, a.] 1. To wander, as from a direct course; to deviate, or go out of the way.
Thames among the wanton valleys strays. Denham.
2. To wander from company, or from the proper limits; to rove at large; to roam; to go astray.
Now, until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray. Shak.
A sheep doth very often stray. Shak.
3. Figuratively, to wander from the path of duty or rectitude; to err.
We have erred and strayed from thy ways. ��� of Com. Prayer.
While meaner things, whom instinct leads,
Are rarely known to stray. Cowper.
Syn. — To deviate; err; swerve; rove; roam; wander.