spitchcock
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
-
to split, cut up, and broil or fry (an eel).
-
to treat severely.
noun
Etymology
Origin of spitchcock
First recorded in 1590–1600; origin obscure
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To spitchcock is to split lengthwise, as an eel, and then broil. p.
From The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume III by Summers, Montague
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.