Spread-eagle

4 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  spread-eagle \spread"-ea`gle\ v. i.
     To assume a spread-eagled position; -- it may be done
     reclining, for relaxation, or momentarily, as an
     exhibitionary maneuver in a sport.
     [PJC]



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  spread-eagle \spread"-ea`gle\ (spr[e^]d"[=e]`g'l), a.
     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]
     [1913 Webster +PJC]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  spread-eagle
       adj : with arms and legs stretched out and apart; "lay
             spread-eagle on the floor"
       v 1: stretch out completely; "They spread-eagled him across the
            floor"
       2: stretch over; "His residences spread-eagle the entire
          county"
       3: execute a spread eagleon skates, with arms and legs
          stretched out
       4: stand with arms and legs spread out
       5: defeat disastrously [syn: {spreadeagle}, {rout}]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  spreadeagle
       v : defeat disastrously [syn: {spread-eagle}, {rout}]