[-ING1.] The action of STRAGGLE v.1
1601. J. Wheeler, Treat. Comm., 53. Such stragling by free, and vnfree English vsed in Germanie, and the townes of the Lowe Countries out of the Marte townes, is so vnseemely, vnmerchantlike [etc.].
1622. [E. Misselden], Free Trade, 80. Having lost their Priuiledges, partly by their owne Stragling.
1847. Infantry Man. (1854), 99. The prevention of straggling is … part of the duties of a rear guard.
1862. Queen’s Regul. Nav. Service, 213. In cases of Desertion, a reward not exceeding 3l., and in cases of Straggling not exceeding 1l., is to be paid.
1893. Nation (N. Y.), 2 Feb., 86/2. Straggling cuts a considerable figure in Col. Allan’s as well as in other Southern estimates of Lee’s forces.
b. attrib. straggling-money Naut. (see quots.).
1815. Falconer’s Dict. Marine (ed. Burney), Straggling-Money, a compensation allowed to persons on their apprehending and bringing on board any stragglers, or deserters, from his Majesty’s ships or vessels.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Straggling-money. If a man be absent from his duty without leave, but not absent long enough to be logged as run, and is brought on board, a deduction is to be made from his wages at the discretion of the captain; not, however, to exceed the sum of £1.
