▪ I. ˈsplaying, vbl. n.1
[f. splay v.1]
1. The action of extending; extension.
For Splaying in Kersey (1706) see splaiting vbl. n.
| 1530 Tindale Answ. More Wks. (1573) 277/2 The casting abroad of his hands [is] the splaying of Christ vpon the crosse. |
2. The action of making with a splay; the manner or extent of this.
| 1725 W. Halfpenny Sound Building 13 A..Door, or Window.., whose Crown lies level without splaying. 1844 Civil Eng. & Arch. Jrnl. VII. 247/1 The splaying of the arches..was neither justified by science nor practice. 1851 Ruskin Stones Ven. I. xvi. §9 The splaying or chamfering of the jamb of the larger door will be deepened. 1881 Athenæum 4 June 756/3 The Interior of the New Church.. is..noteworthy on account of the bold splaying of the clearstory. |
3. The fact of spreading outwards.
| 1881 Nature XXIV. 571 This splaying or bulging of the shadow is due to the interference of the molecular streams. |
▪ II. ˈsplaying, vbl. n.2
[f. splay v.2]
Spaying.
| 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts 673 Another part of a good Swinehard is, to looke to the gelding of his Swyne, and splaying of the females. 1611 Cotgr., Chastrement, a gelding, libbing, speying, splaying. |
▪ III. ˈsplaying, ppl. a.
[f. splay v.1]
Sloping or spreading outwards.
| 1874 H. H. Cole Catal. Ind. Art S. Kens. Mus. 143 The body of the vessel is like an ordinary lota.., with a long and broad splaying neck. Ibid. App. 273 A thin bowl-shaped cup with splaying rim. |