— sprawler , n. — sprawlingly , adv.
/sprawl/ , v.i.
1. to be stretched or spread out in an unnatural or ungraceful manner: The puppy's legs sprawled in all directions.
2. to sit or lie in a relaxed position with the limbs spread out carelessly or ungracefully: He sprawled across the bed.
3. to spread out, extend, or be distributed in a straggling or irregular manner, as vines, buildings, handwriting, etc.
4. to crawl awkwardly with the aid of all the limbs; scramble.
v.t.
5. to stretch out (the limbs) as in sprawling.
6. to spread out or distribute in a straggling manner.
n.
7. the act or an instance of sprawling; a sprawling posture.
8. a straggling array of something.
[ bef. 1000; ME spraulen to move awkwardly, OE spreawlian; c. Fris (N dial.) spraweli ]
Syn. 3. straggle, branch.