1. Domestic animals (such as cattle or horses) that have strayed or escaped from their owner and are found wandering; stray livestock.
Usage: Usually plural; legal/historical term; More common in British English and historical contexts

Examples

• The farmer reported several estrays grazing in his pasture.
• Medieval laws required the impounding of estrays until their owners could be identified.
• The village constable was responsible for collecting estrays and holding them for claim.
• Estrays were a common problem in rural areas before modern fencing.
• The lord's court would hear disputes over the ownership of estrays found on common land.