straggler

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Isaiah's picture is of a fierce, disciplined army from the north that leaves no weak soldier behind. This warns Philistia that its enemy will be strong. In the primary lessons: one who lags behind the group, often a lost sheep, soldier or child in a tale; the teacher waited for the stragglers

Meaning

A straggler is a person or animal that falls behind the others on a march, walk or journey. tree →

Examples

• Howl, O gate; cry, O city; melt away, O Philistia, all of thee; for there cometh a smoke out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. (Prophets ISA.14.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• The teacher waited at the gate for the stragglers. tree →
• A straggler was still in the woods when the others went home. tree →
• The stragglers caught up after an hour. tree →

Note

nothing for maths; a straggler still belongs to the group, so count each one with the rest