Definition of spread–eagle
spread–eagled
;spread–eagling
\-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
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1826
First Known Use of spread–eagle
1826
2
spread–eagle
adjective
spread–ea·gle
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.
First Known Use: 1853
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