/euh struyd"/ , prep.
1. with a leg on each side of; straddling: She sat astride the horse.
2. on both sides of: Budapest lies astride the river.
3. in a dominant position within: Napoleon stands astride the early 19th century like a giant.
adv. , adj.
4. in a posture of striding or straddling; with legs apart or on either side of something.
[ 1655-65; A- 1 + STRIDE ]