spatchcock

American  

[spach-kok] / ˈspætʃˌkɒk /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈspætʃˌkɒk /

noun

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of spatchcock

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

Example Sentences

I’ll spatchcock them, which means you split it and open it and it gets all the skin really crispy.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Fans, meanwhile, couldn't decide whether Smith was paying tribute to David Bowie or a spatchcock chicken.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2023

Learn how to spatchcock a turkey with this quick-cooking method.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2021

Following a few other courses — halibut ceviche presented on foot-shaped pedestals by Party, spatchcock quail atop face-like plates by Wine — the waiters cleared a long, narrow path across the table.

From New York Times • Aug. 28, 2019

The birds had been plucked and spread upon the embers, split open, spatchcock fashion, and when ready afforded our travellers a toothsome breakfast.

From Renshaw Fanning's Quest A Tale of the High Veldt by Mitford, Bertram