A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1550-1614
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Stray(e, v. [ME and e.m.E. stray (14th c.), aphetic f. astray, estray v., OF estraier (OED), L. extra vagārī.] a. To wander or roam at will, free from control or confinement. b. fig. To wander from the path of righteousness; to err, sin. —a. 1550 Dundee B. Ct. II 14a (12 Nov.).
He fand Thom Scottis twa hors … gangand straing langis the gat 1594 Acts IV 67/1.
Quhatsumeuir persone … slayis ony of his hienes deir strayand in tyme of stormes to barne ȝardis [etc.] c1614 Mure Dido & Æneas i 443.
Myself in neid heir strayes, to all vnknowne, Far, far from Europ, and frome Asia throwne —b. a1568 Montg. in Bannatyne MS I p. 51/11.
Thocht I sowld stray Ilk day by day In deidly way Ȝit will I not dispair a1570-86 Maitland Folio MS 443/62.
Sic punusching hauldis ws in awe That we stray nocht our far esklent
