spatchcock

[ spach-kok ]

noun

1. a dressed fowl that has had its backbone removed and has been split open and flattened so that it cooks more evenly when grilled, broiled, or roasted.

verb (used with object)

1. to prepare and cook (a dressed fowl) in this manner.
2. to insert or interpolate, especially in a forced or incongruous manner:

   Additional information has been spatchcocked into the occasional random footnote.

spatchcock

/ ˈspætʃˌkɒk /

noun

1. a chicken or game bird split down the back and grilled Compare spitchcock

verb

1. to interpolate (words, a story, etc) into a sentence, narrative, etc, esp inappropriately

Word History and Origins

Origin of spatchcock¹

First recorded in 1775–85; apparently an alteration of spitchcock; popular interpretation as shortening of dispatch cock is specious

Word History and Origins

Origin of spatchcock¹

C18: perhaps variant of spitchcock eel when prepared and cooked