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

The crash sent his friend "face down, spread eagle, with Gwyneth on top of him", but Ms Paltrow slid off him and bolted from the scene while he lay unresponsive, Mr Ramone testified.

From BBC

Another photo is of a woman in green trousers spread eagle on the sand, her top pulled up over her head.

From BBC

"His recording studio has women spread eagle, with their body parts exposed all over the wall."

From Fox News

You can see it magnificently in Ms. France’s spread eagle, in which a skater glides on turned out feet.

From New York Times

A separate clip showed three men lying face down and spread eagle on the pavement as police in riot gear stood over them, apparently making arrests.

From Reuters