subs. (old: now recognised).—‘A wandering Rogue, a strolling Vagabond’ (B. E., c. 1696): also VAGANT. [Century: sometimes VAGARANT, apparently simulating VAGARY.] Whence VAGRANCY (or VAGANCY) = wandering, strolling; also VAGRANT, adj. = roving, erratic, vagabond.
1380. WYCLIF, Bible, Gen. iv. 14. Fro thi face I shal be hid, and I shal be VAGAUNT.
1641. R. BROME, A Joviall Crew, v. Fie! canst not yet leave off those VAGRANCIES?
1685. BARROW, Sermons, xxxvi. Therefore did he spend his days in continual labour, in restless travel, in endless VAGRANCY, going about doing good.
1770. GOLDSMITH, Deserted Village, 149. His house was known to all the VAGRANT train.
