Spread Eagle Definition
sprĕdēgəl
spread-eagled, spread-eagles
noun
The figure of an eagle with wings and legs spread, used as an emblem of the U.S.
Webster's New World
Something suggesting this, as an acrobatic figure in skating.
Webster's New World
The emblem on the obverse of the Great Seal of the United States.
American Heritage
A posture or design resembling such an emblem or figure.
American Heritage
A position of a body involving full extension of the limbs with both fore- and hind-limbs spread wide, usually referring to humans or heraldic eagles.
Wiktionary
adjective
Having the figure of an eagle with wings and legs spread.
Webster's New World
Having the legs and, often, the arms spread wide.
Webster's New World
Boastful or jingoistic about the U.S.
Webster's New World
(colloquial, humorous) Characterized by a pretentious, boastful, exaggerated style; bombastic.
A spread-eagle orator.
A spread-eagle speech.
Wiktionary
verb
spread-eagled, spread-eagles
To place in a spread-eagle position, especially as a means of punishment.
American Heritage
To perform a spread eagle.
Webster's New World
To assume a spread-eagle position.
American Heritage
To make a grandiloquent, patriotic speech.
American Heritage
adverb
With arms and legs extended and spread.
Wiktionary
Other Word Forms of Spread Eagle
Noun
Singular:
spread eaglePlural:
spread eagles
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