stray line

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Stray \Stray\, a. [Cf. OF. estrai['e], p. p. of estraier. See
   {Stray}, v. i., and cf. {Astray}, {Estray}.]
   Having gone astray; strayed; wandering; as, a strayhorse or
   sheep.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Stray line} (Naut.), that portion of the log line which is
      veered from the reel to allow the chip to get clear of the
      stern eddies before the glass is turned.

   {Stray mark} (Naut.), the mark indicating the end of the
      stray line.
      [1913 Webster]