An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

One who moves along slowly so as to remain some distance behind the person or people in front. → blue straggler.

Etymology (EN): From straggle “to wander from the proper path, to rove from one’s companions,” from M.E. straglen “to wander.”

Etymology (PE): Veylân “wanderer, vagabond,” of unknown origin, may be related to yalé “turned loose, vagabond, allowed to pasture at liberty, rover,” or vel “set free.”