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Webster 1913 Edition

Sprawl

Sprawl

(spra̤l)
,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Sprawled
(spra̤ld)
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Sprawling
.]
[OE.
spraulen
; cf. Sw.
sprattla
to sprawl, dial. Sw.
spralla
, Dan.
spraelle
,
spraelde
, 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 trees; 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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Sprawl

SPRAWL

,
Verb.
I.
[The origin and affinities of this word are uncertain. It may be a contracted word.]
1.
To spread and stretch the body carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out or struggling. We say, a person lies sprawling; or he sprawls on the be or on the ground.
2.
To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of the limbs; to scrabble or scramble in creeping.
The birds were not fledged; but in sprawling and struggling to get clear of the flame, down they tumbled.
3.
To widen or open irregularly, as a body of horse.

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