Dictionary
1spread–eagle
verb spread–ea·gle \ˈspred-ˌē-gəl\
spread–ea·gledspread–ea·gling \-ˌē-g(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of SPREAD-EAGLE
intransitive verb
1
: to execute a spread eagle (as in skating)
2
: to stand or move with arms and legs stretched out : sprawl
transitive verb
1
: to stretch out into the position of a spread eagle
2
: to spread over
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First Known Use of SPREAD-EAGLE
1826
2spread–eagle
adjective
Definition of SPREAD-EAGLE
: marked by bombast and boastful exaggeration especially of the greatness of the United States <spread–eagle oratory>
Origin of SPREAD-EAGLE
from the spread eagle on the Great Seal of the United States
First Known Use: 1858
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