[f. STRAY v.2 + -ER1.] One who strays, in the senses of the verb.
1519. Horman, Vulg., 263 b. He called ageyne the strayers out of ordre.
1570. Foxe, A. & M. (ed. 2), 1912/1. A great straier abroad in all quarters of the realme to deface and impeach the springing of Gods holy Gospel.
1575–85. Abp. Sandys, Serm., vii. § 15. 113. All sinners are straiers: for sinne maketh a diuision betweene God and man.
1638. Rutherford, Lett. (1881), 50. Ye faithful pastors yet amongst the flocks…; Or any weak, tired strayers who cast but half an eye after the Bridegroom.
1868. Browning, Ring & Bk., IV. 1245. For the priest, spritely strayer out of bounds,… Let him be relegate to Civita.
1908. Academy, 4 Jan., 308/2. We suspect that, like ‘the old prophet,’ he is a confirmed strayer from his beat.
