Sprawling

Sprawling
Sprawl Sprawl (spr[add]l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Sprawled} (spr[add]ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Sprawling}.] [OE. spraulen; cf. Sw. sprattla to sprawl, dial. Sw. spralla, Dan. spr[ae]lle, spr[ae]lde, 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. [1913 Webster]

2. To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography. [1913 Webster]

3. To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of the limbs; to scramble in creeping. [1913 Webster]

The birds were not fledged; but upon sprawling and struggling to get clear of the flame, down they tumbled. --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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