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scrawl

[skrawl]

Origin

verb (used with object)

to write or draw in a sprawling, awkward manner: He scrawled his name hastily across the blackboard.

verb (used without object)

to write awkwardly, carelessly, or illegibly.

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Scrawl is one of our favorite verbs.

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to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.

to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.

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noun

awkward, careless, or illegible handwriting.

something scrawled, as a letter or a note.

Origin:
1605–15; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English scraule to sprawl, crawl (blend of sprawl and crawl)

Related forms

un·scrawled, adjective

un·scrawl·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To scrawl

Collins

World English Dictionary

scrawl (skrɔːl)

—vb
1.	to write or draw (signs, words, etc) carelessly or hastily; scribble

—n
2.	careless or scribbled writing, drawing, or marks

[C17: perhaps a blend of sprawl and crawl¹]

'scrawler

—n

'scrawly

—*adj*

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

scrawl

1610s, perhaps from M.E. scrawlen "spread out the limbs, sprawl" (late 14c.), which possibly is an alteration of sprawlen (see sprawl) or crawl. The noun is recorded from 1693.

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Matching Quote

"Sometimes I have a notion that what might improve the situation is to have women take over the occupations of government and trade and to give men their freedom. Let them do what they are best at. While we scrawl interoffice memos and direct national or extranational affairs, men could spend all their time inventing wheels, peering at stars, composing poems, carving statues, exploring continents—discovering, reforming, or crying out in a sacramental wilderness. Efficiency would probably increase, and no one would have to worry so much about the Gaza Strip or an election."

-Phyllis McGinley

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