splayed

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

splay /spleɪ/   v. 

1. to spread out, or extend, as by making one end or part crooked, slanted, or longer than another: [~ + object]
   He sat down and splayed his legs over the arm of the chair.
   [no object]
   The coat hanger had splayed out of shape.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

splay  (splā), v.t. 

1. to spread out, expand, or extend.
2. to form with an oblique angle;
   make slanting;
   bevel.
3. Architecture to make with a splay or splays.
4. to disjoin;
   dislocate.

v.i. 

5. to have an oblique or slanting direction.
6. to spread or flare.

n. 

7. Architecture a surface that makes an oblique angle with another, as where the opening through a wall for a window or door widens from the window or door proper toward the face of the wall.

adj. 

8. spread out;
   wide and flat;
   turned outward.
9. clumsy or awkward.
10. oblique or awry.

• 1300–50; Middle English; aphetic form of display

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

splay / spleɪ/ adjective

1. spread out; broad and flat
2. turned outwards in an awkward manner

verb

1. to spread out; turn out or expand

noun

1. a surface of a wall that forms an oblique angle to the main flat surfaces, esp at a doorway or window opening

Etymology: 14th Century: short for display