Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Stragill, v. P.p. also stragled. [Late ME and e.m.E. stragle (c1400), stragelt p.p. (c1450), stragyll (1461), straggled p.t. (1529).] intr.

1. Of a number of persons: To wander or roam in an uncoordinated manner, singly or in small groups. Also const. fra (each other) and about (a place). 1531 Bell. Boece II 18.
Gif ye stragill fra your fallowis, ye fall in pray to your vincust ennimes 1630-1651 Gordon Geneal. Hist. 57.
About day light the Scottishmen assembled themselves together, haveing stragled in pursute of the chase 1630-1651 Gordon Geneal. Hist. 196.
The inhabitants of Catteynes fled, stragling and wandering in the wilderness, upon the fame of his approaching host 1652 Dumfries Kirk S. 11 Mar.
That no boyes or apprentices be found stragling in the streets on the Lords day 1653 Dumfries Kirk S. 1 Sept.
That henceforth no persone either be found stragling or sitting or sitting at thair doores on the Saboth

2. p.p. Dispersed irregularly; singly, separately. 1460 Hay Alex. 6004.
Ten thousand slane men lay stragillit vp and doun 1460 Hay Alex. 6744.
The men sa thik lay in the feild slane, Sum stragglit sum in hepis and lumpis lay That [etc.]