/ ˈstrægl; NAmE / verb [ v , usually + adv. / prep. ]
1.
to grow, spread or move in an untidy way in different directions :
The town straggled to an end and the fields began.
2.
to move slowly behind a group of people that you are with so that you become separated from them :
On the way the kids straggled behind us.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : perhaps from dialect strake go .