D defs.my
Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Sprawl

/(spra̤l)/ · IPA /spɹɔl/
01 v. i. To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully.
imp. & p. p. Sprawled; p. pr. & vb. n. Sprawling
  1. 1.
    To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully.
  2. 2.
    To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography.
  3. 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.
02 n. The position or state resulting from sprawling; as, he sat on the couch in a sprawl; uncontrolled urban sprawl.
  1. 1.
    The position or state resulting from sprawling; as, he sat on the couch in a sprawl; uncontrolled urban sprawl.