spitchcock

American

[spich-kok] / ˈspɪtʃˌkɒk /

noun

an eel that is split, cut into pieces, and broiled or fried.

verb (used with object)

to split, cut up, and broil or fry (an eel).
to treat severely.

spitchcock British

/ ˈspɪtʃˌkɒk /

noun

an eel split and grilled or fried Compare spatchcock

"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

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.

The Sea, Sir, where the Emperor's Fisherman casting his Nets, drew me up, and took me for a strange and monstrous Fish, Sir,—and as such, presented me to his Mightiness,—who going to have me Spitchcock'd for his own eating— Doct.

From Project Gutenberg

To spitchcock is to split lengthwise, as an eel, and then broil. p.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023