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overspread

[oh-ver-spred]
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verb (used with object), o·ver·spread, o·ver·spread·ing.
  1. to spread or diffuse over: A blush of embarrassment overspread his face.
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Origin of overspread

before 1000; Middle English overspreden, Old English ofersprǣdan. See over-, spread
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for overspread

Historical Examples

  • We reached Penrith as the grey of dawn had overspread the sky.

    Recollections of Dante Gabriel Rossetti

    T. Hall Caine

  • A vivid flame of scarlet had overspread the Duke's countenance.

    The Strolling Saint

    Raphael Sabatini

  • But the radiance that now overspread it was from an inward source.

    The Sea-Hawk

    Raphael Sabatini

  • Watching her he beheld the scarlet stain that overspread her face.

    Scaramouche

    Rafael Sabatini

  • The stern, dark face of the Alcalde was overspread by a grim smile.

Word Origin and History for overspread

v.

c.1200, "to spread throughout," from over- + spread (v.). Related: Overspread (past tense); overspreading. Old English had ofersprædan "to overlay, cover."

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper