early 14c., "unfold, unfurl;" c. 1400, "to spread out," shortened form of desplayen (see display (v.)). Meaning "to spread out awkwardly" is from 1848. Past participle adjective splayed "spread out" is attested from 1540s.
He splayed his huge hands over the table
These birds can splay out their toes
splay knees
splanchno-
splash
splashy
splat
splatter
splay
spleen
splendid
splendidly
splendiferous
splendor
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