spread-eagle
Verb · AdjectiveOpen English WordNet
Verb (5)
- stretch out completely“They spread-eagled him across the floor”More general stretch, extend
- stretch over“His residences spread-eagle the entire county”More general range, straddle
- execute a spread eagle on skates, with arms and legs stretched outMore general figure skate
- stand with arms and legs spread outMore general sprawl
- defeat disastrouslySynonyms: spreadeagleroutMore general beat, beat out
Adjective (1)
- with arms and legs stretched out and apart“lay spread-eagle on the floor”Opposite unextendedSimilar extended
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
spread′-ea′gle (sprĕd′ē′g'l), adjective
Characterized by a pretentious, boastful, exaggerated style; defiantly or extravagantly bombastic, especially regarding of the greatness of the U. S.; as, a spread-eagle orator; a spread-eagle speech. Colloq. & Humorous [MW10]
spread′-ea′gle intransitive verb
To assume a spread-eagled position; — it may be done reclining, for relaxation, or momentarily, as an exhibitionary maneuver in a sport.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: +PJC, GCIDE editors