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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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. 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.
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2. To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to
spread ungracefully, as chirography.
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3. To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and
motions of the limbs; to scramble in creeping.
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The birds were not fledged; but upon sprawling and
struggling to get clear of the flame, down they
tumbled. --L'Estrange.
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