spraw

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Sprawled p. pr. & vb. n. Sprawling. ] [ OE. spraulen; cf. Sw. sprattla to sprawl, dial. Sw. spralla, Dan. spraelle, spraelde, D. spartelen, spertelen, to flounder, to struggle. ] 1. To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of the limbs; to scramble in creeping. [ 1913 Webster ]

The birds were not fledged; but upon sprawling and struggling to get clear of the flame, down they tumbled. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]