ˈsprad ə l verb
( spraddled ; spraddled ; spraddling -d( ə )liŋ ; spraddles )
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect spradla to thrash about, Old Norse sprathka to kick, thrash about; akin to Old High German spratalōn to thrash about, sprinzan to jump up — more at sprint
transitive verb
1. : to spread (the legs) in walking : straddle
2. : sprawl
intransitive verb
1. : to go or walk with a straddling gait : straddle
2. : sprawl