I. ˈstra-gəl intransitive verb
( strag·gled ; strag·gling -g(ə-)liŋ)
Etymology: Middle English straglen
Date: 15th century
1. : to wander from the direct course or way : rove , stray
2. : to trail off from others of its kind
little cabins straggling off into the woods
• strag·gler -g(ə-)lər noun
II. noun
Date: 1865
: a straggling group (as of persons or objects)