Category:Sprawl

Sprawl (sprall), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sprawled (spralld); p. pr. & vb. N. Sprawling.] Etym: [oe. spraulen; cf. Sw. sprattla to sprawl, dial. Sw. spralla, dan. spælle, sprælde, d. spartelen, spertelen, to Flounder, to struggle.]

1. To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal Position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully.

2. To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or tress; to spread Ungracefully, as chirography.

3. To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of The limbs; to scramble in creeping. The birds were not fledged; but upon sprawling and struggling to get Clear of the flame, down they tumbled. L'estrange.