splayn.
/spleɪ/, U.S. /spleɪ/ 1. attributive.1669 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 558 There shalbe sufficient vpright iron barrs in all the lights of all the lower windowes,..to be sufficient iron splay barrs.
a. Architecture. ‘A return of work deviating from a right angle, generally applied to the bevelled jambs of windows and doors’ (Loudon).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > [noun] > splay
splay1507
splaying1725
the world > space > relative position > inclination > [noun] > an inclination > bevelling > a bevelled object
splay1507
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > other elements > [noun] > intersection or angle of work
splay1507
reprise1535
interpenetration1840
mullion-seat1888
1507–8 in Gage Hist. Suffolk: Thingoe (1838) 147 Plasteryng the beystales and the splaies.
1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1545/2 This sluse was composed with two arches, in length sixtie foot (besides the splaies).
1604 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 492 For altering certenne pannelles of his worke for the splaies of ye greate wyndoes.
1708 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 26 37 Part of the Copeing of the Splay of the Gabel-end it self was broken down.
1725 W. Halfpenny Art of Sound Building 13 How to find the inward Edge AFB, so that it shall diminish gradually from nothing at the Crown F, to the Splay of the Jaums at the Springing AC and DB.
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §849 To cut all the rakes and splays, and all the chasings required for the lead flashings.
1855 W. Cory Lett. & Jrnls. (1897) 65 I would carve the name of a man on each stone in the splays and lintels.
1876 T. Hardy Hand of Ethelberta II. xl. 141 The daylight..scarcely reached further into Lord Mountclere's entrance-hall than to the splays of the windows.
b. The degree of bevel or slant given to the sides of an opening, etc.
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the world > space > relative position > inclination > [noun] > splay > amount of
splay1860
1860 W. L. Collins Luck of Ladysmede (1862) I. 95 The bold splay of the window-sides, contrived so as to throw as much light as possible within.
1893 Reliquary Jan. 13 The inner head stones are by far the larger, as the splay is considerable.
c. The outward spread of a bowl or cup.
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the world > food and drink > food > setting table > table utensils > [noun] > table-vessels > dish or plate > cup, bowl, or basin > outward spread of bowl
splay1874
1874 H. H. Cole Catal. Objects Indian Art S. Kensington Mus. 138 The bowl has a good splay and a curved rim.
d. A tapered widening of the carriageway at a road intersection or corner provided in order to increase visibility for motorists.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > road > parts of road > [noun] > widening at junction or corner
splay1956
1956 Proc. Inst. Civil Engineers 5 ii. 356 The splay provided in the boundary line of the minor road approaching the intersection should remove any possible restriction on vision at the point where the vehicle turning right-in has to cross the right-out stream from the minor road.
1963 W. F. Cassie in E. Davies Traffic Engin. Practice x. 280 A minor road intersecting a major road. There are three possibilities..: (a) right-angled intersection; (b) right-hand splay; and (c) left-hand splay.
1968 J. L. Paisley in E. Davies Traffic Engin. Practice (ed. 2) iv. 99 At uncontrolled junctions visibility splays should be provided to give full visibility to right and left.
1977 Cornish Times 19 Aug. 5/2 The Cornwall Surveyor..offered no objections subject to the formation of a suitable access with visibility splays of 30 by 500 feet in each direction along the adjoining highway.
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the world > plants > part of plant > part of tree or woody plant > [noun] > bough or branch > spread or expanse of
splay1594
1594 O. B. Questions Profitable Concernings 7 b You have spoken so darkely, that for the thick spleigh of boughes and broad leaues of this tree, I cannot discerne your meaning.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
splayv.1
/spleɪ/, U.S. /spleɪ/ a. transitive. To unfold, unfurl, or expand (a banner); = display v. 1. Obsolete.
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the world > space > extension in space > extend [verb (transitive)] > unfurl or unfold
unfoldc890
untrenda1272
displayc1330
splayc1330
unplyc1330
outrolla1393
unlapa1400
unplight?c1400
unrollc1425
deploy1477
to shake outc1550
explicate1562
disvelop1592
unfurl1641
develop1656
unwrap1807
unshroud1846
to roll out1849
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 9918 Bot horn ne trompe dide non blowe..Til alle were splayed ilka banere.
c1400 Song Roland 452 They splayd baners, for men se it shold.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1558) viii. xiii. 8/2 Swerd or septer..There was none nor baners splayde wyde.
a1529 J. Skelton Poems against Garnesche in Poet Wks. (1843) I. 119 Ye grounde yow vpon Godfrey..Your stondarde, Syr Olifranke, agenst me for to splay.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. v. f. 24 They assayled the one the other as fiersely, as if mortal ennemies with theyr baners spleade, shulde fight for theyr goodes.
1594 R. Carew tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne i. 34 He after saw the loftie Standard splayd, With Peters Diademe and with his keyes.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > insignia > standard > [verb (transitive)] > display in a banner
splayc1430
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 26 The fyve rosis portraid in the shelde, Splaid in the baner at Jherusalem.
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the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > ornament [verb (transitive)] > ornament with streamers, flags, or banners
splay1533
banner1807
streamer1818
flag1875
1533 Noble Coronacyon Quene Anne A j All the worshypfull Craftes and Occupacyons..toke theyr barges which were splayed with goodly baners.
2. 1879 J. Gilburt in Lett. to Clergy 191 Their portals large splayed out embracingly.1881 W. Spottiswoode in Nature 13 Oct. 571/2 If the tube be touched..the shadow will be splayed out in a striking manner.1893 ‘Q’ Delectable Duchy 127 The..table..collapsed flat.., with its four legs splayed under the circular cover.in extended use.?1567 M. Parker Whole Psalter xxxiiii. 81 Upon the iust: and godly men, the Lorde hys eyes doth splay.† b. To spread or open out so as to exhibit fully; = display v. 3. Obsolete.† c. To cut up or carve. Obsolete. (Cf. display v. 2b)In some late works miscopied as solay v.In Holme (1688), etc.† d. (See quot. 1463 and cf. splaiting n.) Obsolete.
a. To spread out, expand, extend; to open out in a spreading manner. Also with out.In modern use suggested by splay n. 1.
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the world > space > extension in space > extend [verb (transitive)] > spread (something) out or open
abredeeOE
bredeOE
stretcha1000
to-spreada1000
openOE
spreadc1175
displayc1320
to let outc1380
to open outc1384
outspreada1400
spald?a1400
splayc1402
expand?a1475
to lay along1483
speld?a1500
skail1513
to set abroad1526
to lay abroad1530
flarec1550
bespread1557
to set out1573
dispread1590
explaina1600
expanse1600
dispack1605
splat1615
dispand1656
extend1676
flat1709
spelder1710
spreadeagle1829
c1402 J. Lydgate Compl. Black Knight 33 The floures..gunne for to sprede, And for to splay out her leves on brede Ageyn the sunne.
?1515 Hyckescorner (de Worde) sig. A.ii She sawe her sone all deed Splayed on a crosse with the fyue welles of pyte.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke Pref. 11 b The grayne of mustard-sede..dyd ferre and wyde spleigh his boughes abrode.
1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid Metamorphosis (new ed.) vi. f. 69 And ouer Leda she had made a Swan his wings to splay.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)]
to set beforea1000
openOE
showlOE
to put forth?c1225
kithe1297
to make (a) showing ofc1330
presenta1398
representa1398
to lay forthc1420
splayc1440
discovera1450
advisea1500
to set to (the) show?1510
to stall out1547
outlay1555
exhibit1573
strew1579
wray1587
displaya1616
ostentate1630
elevate1637
re-exhibita1648
expound1651
unveil1657
subject1720
flare1862
skin1873
patent1889
showcase1939
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 625 The cok confesseth emyne[n]t Cupide When he is gemmy tayl bygynnyth splay About hymself.
1513 in S. Glover Hist. County of Derby (1829) I. App. 61 Sir John Sowch..bayryth goulls, a Faucon splay'd syttyng upon a stok.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. lxxij The clothe of his estate of the blacke Egle all splaied on riche clothe of golde.
?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 51 A gray Mare..her pannell on her bak,..her tayl splayd at most eaz.
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the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > preparation of seafood > prepare seafood [verb (transitive)] > cut up or carve > bream
splay1486
solay1726
1486 Bk. St. Albans F vij b A Breme splayed.
1508 Bk. Keruynge (de Worde) sig. Av Splaye that breme.
ΚΠ
1463 M. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 288 Þe ferrore..seythe he [a horse] was splayyd and hys shulder rent from þe body.
a. To come into view; to display or show oneself. Obsolete.
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > appear or become visible > make an appearance
atewOE
splaya1400
compearc1470
to come ona1635
exhibit1656
to figure in1812
show your shapes1828
to show one's neb (also nose, etc.)1841
surface1961
a1400 Stockholm Medical MS. ii. 186 in Anglia XVIII. 312 On lammesse-day Erly on morw, or sonne splay.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxvii. f. cxxxviv Thilfer a Norman splayed before the hoost of Normans and slewe an Englysshe man or knyght that came agayne hym.
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the world > animals > animal body > general parts > body and limbs > [verb (transitive)] > spread wings
splay1426
1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 697 Ther kam a dowe whyt as snowh, With hys wynges splayng oute.
1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 18521 On the pomel..Wonder hygh ther sate a krowe, His whynges splayynge to and ffro.
4.
a. transitive. To bevel or make slanting; to construct with a splay.
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the world > space > relative position > inclination > incline [verb (transitive)] > bevel
cant1542
splay1598
chamfret1611
cipher1674
bevel1678
bezel1680
chamfer1688
champer1788
scarf1831
to wash off1833
splay1879
1598 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 252 The windoes..shalbe well splayed on the inside.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 310 In working the cornice, the top or upper side should be splayed away towards its front edge.
1851 J. Ruskin Stones of Venice I. xvi. 170 These angles..should at once be bevelled off, or, as it is called, splayed.
a1878 G. G. Scott Lect. Mediæval Archit. (1879) I. 278 The simplest method..is to splay the jambs and arch of the window.
b. To take off by splaying.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > incline [verb (transitive)] > bevel
cant1542
splay1598
chamfret1611
cipher1674
bevel1678
bezel1680
chamfer1688
champer1788
scarf1831
to wash off1833
splay1879
1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) I. 297/2 The upper surface..becomes an octagon when the angles at the corners are splayed off.
5. intransitive.
a. To have, take, or lie in, an oblique or slanting direction.
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the world > space > relative position > inclination > incline or be oblique [verb (intransitive)] > be bevelled
bevel1686
splay1725
1725 W. Halfpenny Art of Sound Building 13 A..Door, or Window, whose Jaums..splays more or less.
1725 W. Halfpenny Art of Sound Building 14 The Arch..will splay gradually to AC and DB.
1875 R. F. Martin tr. J. Havrez On Recent Improvem. Winding Machinery 45 It is not impossible to build them with sides which splay more and more.
1875 T. Seaton Man. Fret Cutting 151 The little side ornaments splay outwards and incline downwards.
b. To spread out in an awkward manner.
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the world > space > extension in space > extend in space [verb (intransitive)] > be spread out > in a straggling or awkward manner
sprawl1745
splay1848
sprangle1881
1848 W. M. Thackeray Bk. Snobs xxv. 95 It was a finger, as knotted as a turkey's drumstick, and splaying all over the piano.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
splayv.2
transitive. To spay (female animals). Also figurative.
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the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > [verb (transitive)] > castrate > spay
spaya1425
geld1557
splay1601
spade1612
spave1671
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 230 Sowes also are splaied as well as camels.
1651 J. Cleveland Poems (Wing C4684) 4 Geld the loose wits, and let the Muse be splaid.
1663 R. Boyle Some Considerations Usefulnesse Exper. Nat. Philos. ii. v. 234 The well-known practice of splaying swine and bitches.
1794 J. Bishton Gen. View Agric. Salop 10 The bull calves are cut, and many heifers splayed.
1841 C. H. Hartshorne Salopia Antiqua Gloss. Splay, to castrate an heifer.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
splayadv.adj.
A. adv.
a. = splay foot adv.
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the world > health and disease > ill health > deformity > deformities of specific parts > [adverb] > of foot
splay-foota1627
splay1742
flat-footedly1886
1742 R. North & M. North Life F. North 72 He walked splay, stooping and noddling.
b. In an oblique manner; slantingly. Also elliptically cut splay, bricks cut with a slope or slant.
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society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > clay compositions > baked clay > brick > [noun] > brick of specific shape
lath-brick1677
quadrel1686
well brick1703
cut splay1825
king closer1826
angle brick1852
bullhead1862
1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 554 The sloping of the bricks thus, is called cut splay. Plain tile creasing and cut splay are charged by the foot run.
B. adj.
Oblique; awry; off the straight.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > [adjective] > askew
obliquate?a1425
cama1600
ajee1816
askew1831
skew-whiff1839
splay1873
catawampous1885
skewgee1890
cockeye1891
boss-eyed1898
skewy1898
cockeyed1899
squiffy1941
akimbo1943
1873 M. Arnold Lit. & Dogma Pref. p. xxvi In the German mind, as in the German language, there does seem to be something splay.
a1894 R. L. Stevenson Amateur Emigrant (1895) 57 We had a fellow on board, an Irish-American, for all the world like a beggar in a print by Callot; one-eyed, with great, splay crow's-feet round the sockets.
1952 D. Thomas Coll. Poems p. viii Though song Is a burning and crested act, The fire of birds in The world's turning wood, For my sawn, splay sounds.
Compounds
splay-kneed, splay-toed. splay fault n. Geology a subsidiary fault diverging at an acute angle from a larger dislocation.
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the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > discontinuity or unconformity > [noun] > fault > other types of fault
heave1802
reversed fault1852
reverse fault1865
step-fault1879
ring fracture1881
overfault1883
overlap fault1883
overthrust1883
trough fault1883
thrust1888
thrust-fault1889
offset1897
cross-fault1900
tear-fault1900
distributive fault1904
cross-break1909
slide1910
strike-slip fault1913
rift1921
splay fault1942
wrench fault1951
megashear1954
transform fault1965
transform1971
1896 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Flotsam iv The waiter, in his rusty black and splay-toed shuffling boots.
1899 Westm. Gaz. 2 Feb. 2/3 I see you..The slave of some splay-kneed mechanic.
1942 E. M. Anderson Dynamics of Faulting & Dyke Formation vii. 150 Splay faults may..be expected to diverge from the main fracture at about this angle [sc. 22½°].
1969 G. M. Bennison & A. E. Wright Geol. Hist. Brit. Isles vii. 147 These structures continue across into Northern Ireland but are much less strongly developed there and are replaced by series of en-echelon and splay faults.
1971 Nature 19 Feb. 538/1 North and south of the Gregory rift..the periclinal ends of the uplifted area are broad transverse depressions traversed by splay-faults.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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n.1507
v.1c1330v.21601adv.adj.1742