taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Obsolete literary term describing a twisting, winding, or meandering shape or movement. Used in classical Chinese-influenced Japanese prose.
古い漢文では、「委蛇」は曲がりくねった様子を表す。
In old Chinese-style writing, 委蛇 expresses a winding or meandering appearance.
Modern verb meaning 'to wind' or 'to meander'; 委蛇 is an obsolete literary adjective/adverb for the same concept.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji spellings are associated with winding or meandering in classical Chinese texts.