straggling

Though "they had a very fine day" and everything is formally perfect "outward circumstances of arrangement, accommodation, and punctuality" the banded host of harmony dispersed in straggling sounds: "there was deficiency [...] a languor, a want of spirits, a want of union, which could not be got over" (III. vii, 331-32).

Boxing Emma; or the Reader’s Dilemma at the Box Hill Games 2000

In a dingy basement window a crooked sign, in straggling, penciled letters, caught Sophie's eye: "Room to let, a bargain, cheap."

Hungry Hearts 1920

She was dark, like her mother, but her features were irregular, and her hair fell in straggling, dim locks about her face.

Further Chronicles of Avonlea Lucy Maud 1920

Here the memorandum ceased with a long line straggling from the letter y as if the writer had been surprised at his task.

The Filigree Ball 1903

The whole remnant of the wretched army now crossed in straggling parties to the landing-place.

Three Months in the Soudan 1885

Their light brown hair was worn in short, straggling ringlets in front, and twisted up with a comb behind.

Verner's Pride Henry Wood 1850

Following the detectives the other members of the party came in straggling order, and it was well after 10 o’clock when the real business of the day was commenced in the top paddock at Kilmany Park, about a mile and a half further on than what is known as the racecourse paddock.

Archive 2009-03-01 2009

Another reason for much of the straggling was the diet on which the men had to subsist.

LEE’S LIEUTENANTS DOUGLAS SOUTHALL FREEMAN 2001

Another reason for much of the straggling was the diet on which the men had to subsist.

LEE’S LIEUTENANTS DOUGLAS SOUTHALL FREEMAN 2001

Another reason for much of the straggling was the diet on which the men had to subsist.

Lee’s Lieutenants Douglas Southall Freeman 1971