spread-eagle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb stretch out completely
    • They spread-eagled him across the floor
  2. verb stretch over
    • His residences spread-eagle the entire county
  3. verb execute a spread eagle on skates, with arms and legs stretched out
  4. verb stand with arms and legs spread out
  5. verb defeat disastrously
    spreadeagle; rout.
  6. adjective satellite with arms and legs stretched out and apart
    • lay spread-eagle on the floor

WordNet

Spread"-ea`gle adjective
Definitions
  1. Characterized by a pretentious, boastful, exaggerated style; defiantly or extravagantly bombastic; as, a spread-eagle orator; a spread-eagle speech. Colloq.& Humorous [MW10] "esp. of the greatnes of the U.S."
Spread"-ea`gle intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To assume a spread-eagled position; -- it may be done reclining, for relaxation, or momentarily, as an exhibitionary maneuver in a sport.

Webster 1913