Which word describes the act of wandering without a fixed course?

The word "meander" best describes the act of wandering without a fixed course due to its specific connotation of following a winding or indirect path. This term is often used to describe the movement of rivers or the casual wandering of a person, suggesting a leisurely or aimless journey rather than an intention to reach a specific destination.

While "roam" also implies wandering, it tends to convey a sense of broader exploration, often suggesting movement over a larger area with less emphasis on a meandering or winding pathway. "Stray" typically refers to moving away from a designated course or path, often used in the context of animals that have deviated from a group, and doesn't capture the essence of a leisurely or aimless wandering. "Drift" suggests being carried along by a current or wind, which implies a passive movement rather than the active wandering that "meander" denotes.

Overall, "meander" encapsulates the idea of wandering without a fixed course in a way that emphasizes the casual and winding nature of the journey.