v., n., & adj.
--v.
1. tr. (usu. foll. by out) spread (the elbows, feet, etc.) out.
2 intr. (of an aperture or its sides) diverge in shape or position.
3 tr. construct (a window, doorway, aperture, etc.) so that it diverges or is wider at one side of the wall than the other.
--n. a surface making an oblique angle with another, e.g. the splayed side of a window or embrasure.
--adj.
1. wide and flat.
2 turned outward.
Phrases and idioms:
splay-foot a broad flat foot turned outward. splay-footed having such feet.
Etymology: ME f. DISPLAY