spread eagle

¹

noun

1. a representation of an eagle with outspread wings: used as an emblem of the U.S.
2. an acrobatic figure in skating performed by making a glide with the skates touching heel-to-heel in a straight line and with the arms outstretched.
3. an acrobatic stunt in ski jumping executed with the legs and arms widely outstretched to the sides.

spread-eagle

²

[ spred-ee-guhl ]

adjective

1. having or suggesting the form of a spread eagle.
2. lying prone with arms and legs outstretched.
3. boastful or bombastic, especially in the display of patriotic or nationalistic pride in the U.S.

verb (used with object)

, spread-ea·gled, spread-ea·gling.

1. to stretch out (something) in the manner of a spread eagle.

verb (used without object)

, spread-ea·gled, spread-ea·gling.

1. to assume the position or perform the acrobatic figure of a spread eagle:

   The skater spread-eagled across the rink.

spread-eagle

¹

adjective

1. lying or standing with arms and legs outstretched

verb

1. to assume or cause to assume the shape of a spread eagle
2. intr skating to execute a spread eagle

spread eagle

²

noun

1. the representation of an eagle with outstretched wings, used as an emblem of the US
2. an acrobatic skating figure

Word History and Origins

Origin of spread eagle¹

First recorded in 1560–70

Origin of spread eagle²

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

These Tumblrs have both gone viral, but New York subway cars are still full of men sitting spread eagle across three seats.

From The Daily Beast

I landed spread-eagle on my stomach, my head and back struck by a relentless storm of pulverized glass and cement.

From The Daily Beast

One of the great things about Peter Tory as an interview subject is the obvious relish he takes in saying “spread eagle.”

From The Daily Beast

But if Emetic could not spread-eagle the field, she could set a pace that would try the stamina and lungs of Pegasus.

From Project Gutenberg

I landed sort of spread-eagle flat and seemed to hang there before I slid down the wall to the floor with a meaty-sounding Whump!

From Project Gutenberg

I have no military ambition,—wouldn't give a rush for a spread eagle,—don't like the braying by a mortar.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the age of "spread-eagle" speeches, and many of Benton's were no exception to the rule.

From Project Gutenberg

"The spread eagle ought to use his wings," said Mrs. Tristram.

From Project Gutenberg