Sprawl, v. i.
v. i. [imp. & p. p. SPRAWLED; p. pr. & vb. n. SPRAWLING.] [Dan. sprälle, sprälde, Sw. sprattla, to palpitate, D. spartelen, spertelen, to palpitate.]
Sense 1. To spread and stretch the body carelessly in an horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out or struggling.
Sense 2. To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography.
Sense 3. 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. L'Estrange.
Sense 4. To widen or open irregularly, as a body of cavalry.