estray

[ ih-strey ]

noun

1. a person or animal that has strayed.
2. Law. a domestic animal, as a horse or a sheep, found wandering or without an owner.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic. to stray.

estray

/ ɪˈstreɪ /

noun

1. law a stray domestic animal of unknown ownership

Word History and Origins

Origin of estray¹

1250–1300; Middle English astrai < Anglo-French estray, derivative of Old French estraier to stray

Word History and Origins

Origin of estray¹

C16: from Anglo-French, from Old French estraier to stray

Example Sentences

“Throughout the past year, we offered real solutions to the Forest Service for the Gila estray problem. Those solutions would address the immediate issue, provide long-term resolution and would be humane.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ott says she looks forward to working with the group in their shared goal of a sustainable, long-term solution for managing the more than 2,000 state-owned, estray horses in the Virginia Range.

From Washington Times

A 19-year-old from Springfield was eventually charged with “taking up an estray without first notifying the Department of Agriculture.”

From Washington Times

An estray from the Polar North, he had been blown far out to sea in a hurricane.

From Project Gutenberg

Estray, e-strā′, n. a beast found within a manor or lordship, and not owned.—v.i. to stray.

From Project Gutenberg