Etymology dictionary. 2014.
spread-eagle — [spred′ē΄gəl] adj. 1. having the figure of an eagle with wings and legs spread ☆ 2. Informal boastful or jingoistic about the U.S. vt. spread eagled, spread eagling to stretch out in the form of a spread eagle, as for a flogging vi. to perform a… … English World dictionary
Spread eagle — Spread Spread, imp. & p. p. of {Spread}, v. [1913 Webster] {Spread eagle}. (a) An eagle with outspread wings, the national emblem of the United States. (b) The figure of an eagle, with its wings elevated and its legs extended; often met as a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
spread-eagle — spread ea gle (spr[e^]d [=e] g l), a. Characterized by a pretentious, boastful, exaggerated style; defiantly or extravagantly bombastic, especially regarding of the greatness of the U. S.; as, a spread eagle orator; a spread eagle speech. [Colloq … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
spread-eagle — spread′ ea gle adj. v. gled, gling 1) having or suggesting the form of a spread eagle 2) lying with arms and legs outstretched 3) boastful or bombastic, esp. in the display of patriotic pride in the U.S 4) to stretch out in a spread eagle… … From formal English to slang
spread eagle — n. 1. the figure of an eagle with wings and legs spread, used as an emblem of the U.S. 2. something suggesting this, as an acrobatic figure in fancy skating … English World dictionary
spread-eagle — spread ea gle v. i. To assume a spread eagled position; it may be done reclining, for relaxation, or momentarily, as an exhibitionary maneuver in a sport. [PJC] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
spread-eagle — /sprɛd ˈigəl / (say spred eeguhl) adjective 1. having or suggesting the form of a spread eagle. 2. US Colloquial boastful or bombastic, especially in the display of patriotism or national vanity. –verb (spread eagled, spread eagling) –verb (t) 3 …
spread-eagle — I. verb ( eagled; spread eagling) Date: 1826 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 … New Collegiate Dictionary
spread-eagle — I verb 1. stretch out completely (Freq. 1) They spread eagled him across the floor • Hypernyms: ↑stretch, ↑extend • Verb Frames: Somebody s somebody 2 … Useful english dictionary
spread-eagle — /spred ee geuhl/, adj., v., spread eagled, spread eagling. adj. 1. having or suggesting the form of a spread eagle. 2. lying prone with arms and legs outstretched. 3. boastful or bombastic, esp. in the display of patriotic or nationalistic pride… … Universalium
