I. ˈsplā verb
Etymology: Middle English, short for displayen — more at display
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. : to cause to spread outward
2. : to make oblique : bevel
intransitive verb
1. : to extend apart or outward especially in an awkward manner
2. : slope , slant
II. noun
Date: circa 1508
1. : a slope or bevel especially of the sides of a door or window
2. : spread , expansion
III. adjective
Date: 1548
1. : turned outward
splay knees
2. : awkward , ungainly