Sc. [ad. (M)Du. or (M)LG. spartelen (also spertelen) in the same sense.] intr. To move the body or limbs in a sprawling or struggling manner.
1710. Ruddiman, Gloss. Douglas’ Æneis, Sprinkilland,… gliding swiftly, with a tremulous motion … of their tails; Scot. Bor. call it Spartling.
1789. Davidson, Seasons, 12. Powheads spartle in the oosy flosh.
1828. Buchan’s Ball., II. 233. Her bonny bairn Lay spartling by her side.
a. 1878. H. Ainslie, Pilgr. Land of Burns (1892), 283. Our Steenie chiel began to squeal An’ spartle ’mang the claes.
