spread eagle

¹

noun

1. a representation of an eagle with outspread wings: used as an emblem of the U.S.

2. 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.

3. an acrobatic stunt in ski jumping executed with the legs and arms widely outstretched to the sides.

spread-eagle

²

[spred-ee-guhl]

adjective

1. having or suggesting the form of a spread eagle.

2. lying prone with arms and legs outstretched.

3. boastful or bombastic, especially in the display of patriotic or nationalistic pride in the U.S.

verb (used with object)

spread-eagled, spread-eagling 

1. to stretch out (something) in the manner of a spread eagle.

verb (used without object)

spread-eagled, spread-eagling 

1. to assume the position or perform the acrobatic figure of a spread eagle.

   The skater spread-eagled across the rink.

spread-eagle

¹

adjective

1. lying or standing with arms and legs outstretched

verb

1. to assume or cause to assume the shape of a spread eagle

2. (intr) skating to execute a spread eagle

spread eagle

²

noun

1. the representation of an eagle with outstretched wings, used as an emblem of the US

2. an acrobatic skating figure

Word History and Origins

Origin of spread-eagle¹

First recorded in 1560–70

Origin of spread-eagle²

First recorded in 1820–30