estray

American  

[ih-strey] / ɪˈstreɪ /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. Archaic. to stray.

estray British  

/ ɪˈstreɪ /

noun

1. law a stray domestic animal of unknown ownership

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Etymology

Origin of estray

1250–1300; Middle English astrai < Anglo-French estray, derivative of 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 • Feb. 22, 2023

His love incomprehensible    Did never turn away From penitent whom harm befell; But springeth like a desert well    For thirsting poor estray.

From My Beautiful Lady. Nelly Dale by Morley, Henry

A meeting was called and it was agreed that each man should build fence in proportion to the amount of stock he owned, and that the public corral should be used for the estray pound.

From The Mormon Menace The Confessions of John Doyle Lee, Danite by Lewis, Alfred Henry

All the day   Had been a dreary one at best, and dim   Was settling to its close, yet shot one grim     Red leer to see the plain catch its estray.

From Robert Browning: How to Know Him by Phelps, William Lyon

He took the handkerchief from his bosom with an air; and kissing it, presented it to her, saying, "This happy estray, thus restored, begs leave, by me, to acknowledge its lovely owner!"

From Pamela, Volume II by Richardson, Samuel