[f. SPLAY v.1]
1. The action of extending; extension.
For Splaying in Kersey (1706), see SPLAITING vbl. sb.
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. 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.
