Sprawl /(spra̤l)/

Sprawl

v. i.

imp. & p. p. Sprawled; p. pr. & vb. n. Sprawling

  1. To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully.
  2. To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography.
  3. To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of the limbs; to scramble in creeping.
    The birds were not fledged; but upon sprawling and struggling to get clear of the flame, down they tumbled.

sprawl

n.
  1. The position or state resulting from sprawling; as, he sat on the couch in a sprawl; uncontrolled urban sprawl.