SPRAWL

sprawl. Sprawl, v.i. to tumble with agitation, to struggle

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Sprawl (spra̤l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sprawled (spra̤ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Sprawling.] [[OE. spraulen; cf. Sw. sprattla to sprawl, dial. Sw. spralla, Dan. sprælle, sprælde, D. spartelen, spertelen, to flounder, to struggle.]] 1. 1. To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully.
2. 2. To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography.
3. 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. L'Estrange.