vbl. sb. Obs. [Of obscure origin: cf. SPLAT v. 2, and shoulder-splate.] (See quot.)
1580. Blundevil, Horsemanship, V. 52. Of splaiting of the shoulder. This commeth by some dangerous sliding or slipping, whereby the shoulder parteth from the breast, and so leaves an open rift … in the flesh and film next under the skin. [Hence in Topsell (1607), and Phillips (1658–96), as Splayting; Kersey (1706), etc., as Splaying.]
