A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Straglar, Straggillar, n. Also: stragler, straiglar. [e.m.E. stragler (1530), strageler (a1552), straggler (1553); Stragill v.] One who strays or wanders; also, specif., one who leaves the ranks of an army without having a fixed destination. Also attrib., itinerant, vagabond. —1460 Hay Alex. 6212.
Syne all the leif straiglaris that fleand was Past to the brig 1552 Dundee B. Ct. II 162b (20 June).
The baillies & counsale hes put inhibicioun to Jhone Arneil & his [vyf] of all intromissioun with straglaris or vagaboundis 1644 10th Rep. Hist. MSS App. i 53.
Our major … with his pairtie tuik fourtie men and many horses and slew many of thair straggillars —attrib. 1636 Jervise Epitaphs & Inscriptions I 148/1.
Ane stragler woman called Marie Dow
