Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
SPRAWL
I. verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sprēawlian Date: before 12th century intransitive verb
1. to lie thrashing or tossing about, to creep or clamber awkwardly, to lie or sit with arms and legs spread out, to spread or develop irregularly or without restraint , transitive verb to cause to spread out carelessly or awkwardly ,
II. noun
Date: 1598
the act, posture, or condition of sprawling, an irregularly spread or scattered group or mass, urban sprawl