Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SPRAWL, v., n. Also †spreul, †sprew, (Rxb. 1825 Jam.); sprowl (Sc. 1722 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) III. 27; Inv. 1971); spravle (Cai. 1921 T.S.D.C., ‡Cai. 1971). Sc. forms and n. usages. [sprɑ:l, sprǫ:l; Rxb. + ′sprɑwəl]
1. A rush, struggle, scramble, onset (Rxb. 1825 Jam.), contest; a scatter of coins at a wedding for children to scramble for (Abd. 1971).Rxb. 1768 Session Papers, Buccleugh v. Turnbull etc. (10 March) 37:
There was a Dike on one side of a Fauld, built within the Edge of the Common, at which the Common-riders made a Sprawl, and brought in the Diker.Rnf. 1790 A. Wilson The Hollander x.:
Jock an' him has aft a sprawl Wha'll bring the biggest dark in.Cai. 1992 James Miller A Fine White Stoor 87:
Dougie thought suddenly that the world was the same as a puddock pool, filled with weeds and dim light, hotching with craiturs that spent their time fighting and spravelling about, one with another ...
2. Fig. of persons: see quot.Cld. 1825 Jam.:
One who is not to be overcome with difficulties, who makes a hard struggle, is said to be “an unco sprawl of a body.” It also implies the idea that the person is of a diminutive size.
