spread eagle
a representation of an eagle with outspread wings: used as an emblem of the U.S.
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.
an acrobatic stunt in ski jumping executed with the legs and arms widely outstretched to the sides.
Origin of spread eagle
1Words Nearby spread eagle
Other definitions for spread-eagle (2 of 2)
having or suggesting the form of a spread eagle.
lying prone with arms and legs outstretched.
boastful or bombastic, especially in the display of patriotic or nationalistic pride in the U.S.
to stretch out (something) in the manner of a spread eagle.
to assume the position or perform the acrobatic figure of a spread eagle: The skater spread-eagled across the rink.
Origin of spread-eagle
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use spread eagle in a sentence
These Tumblrs have both gone viral, but New York subway cars are still full of men sitting spread eagle across three seats.
Online Shaming Gives Creeps the Spotlight They Deserve | Samantha Allen | September 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTI landed spread-eagle on my stomach, my head and back struck by a relentless storm of pulverized glass and cement.
One of the great things about Peter Tory as an interview subject is the obvious relish he takes in saying “spread eagle.”
But if Emetic could not spread-eagle the field, she could set a pace that would try the stamina and lungs of Pegasus.
Garrison's Finish | W. B. M. FergusonI 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!
Highways in Hiding | George Oliver Smith
I have no military ambition,—wouldn't give a rush for a spread eagle,—don't like the braying by a mortar.
It was the age of "spread-eagle" speeches, and many of Benton's were no exception to the rule.
Thomas Hart Benton | Theodore Roosevelt"The spread eagle ought to use his wings," said Mrs. Tristram.
The American | Henry James
British Dictionary definitions for spread eagle (1 of 2)
the representation of an eagle with outstretched wings, used as an emblem of the US
an acrobatic skating figure
British Dictionary definitions for spread-eagle (2 of 2)
lying or standing with arms and legs outstretched
to assume or cause to assume the shape of a spread eagle
(intr) skating to execute a spread eagle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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