spread-eagle

verb spread-ea·gle \ ˈspred-ˌē-gəl \

Definition of spread-eagle

spread-eagled; spread-eagling play \ˈspred-ˌē-g(ə-)liŋ\

intransitive verb

1 : to execute a spread eagle (as in skating)

2 : to stand or move with arms and legs stretched out : sprawl

transitive verb

1 : to stretch out into the position of a spread eagle

2 : to spread over

See spread-eagle defined for kids

First Known Use of spread-eagle

1826

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

spread-eagle

adjective

Definition of spread-eagle

: marked by bombast and boastful exaggeration especially of the greatness of the U.S.

spread-eagle oratory

Origin and Etymology of spread-eagle

from the spread eagle on the Great Seal of the U.S.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1853

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

spread eagle

noun

Definition of spread eagle

1 : a representation of an eagle with wings raised and legs extended

2 : something resembling or suggestive of a spread eagle; specifically : a skating figure executed with the skates heel to heel in a straight line

Recent Examples of spread eagle from the Web

Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo sneaked in behind the hosts' defence and slid his attempt past the spread eagle keeper to level things up, not only in the tie but also in the title chase, however, Los Blancos held the upper hand in the head-to-head.

— SI.com, "Espanyol vs Barcelona Match Preview: Classic Encounter, Key Battle, Team News & More," 3 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spread eagle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.