I. ˈstrad ə l verb
( straddled ; straddled ; straddling -d( ə )liŋ ; straddles )
Etymology: irregular from stride
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to part the legs wide : stand, sit, or walk, with the legs wide apart ; especially : to sit astride
b. of the legs : to spread apart
2. : to spread out irregularly : sprawl
branches straddled in every direction
3. : to be noncommittal : favor or seem to favor two apparently opposite sides
4. : to buy in one market and sell short in another
transitive verb
1. : to stand, sit, or be astride of
2. : to be noncommittal in regard to : favor or seem to favor both sides of
straddle an issue
3. : to double (the blind) in playing poker
4.
a. : to bracket with artillery fire
b. : to land a straddle on — used especially of a firing ship with respect to a target
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : the act or position of one who straddles : the act of standing, sitting, or walking, with the legs wide apart
b. : the distance between the feet or legs of one straddling
2. : something that straddles or suggests straddling (as in sprawling irregular form or bracketing relation): as
a. : a vertical post (as one of those which support a horizontal set in a mine shaft)
b. : a gunnery salvo landing with part of its shots short of the target and part over the target
3. : a noncommittal or equivocal position ; also : assumption of such a position (as in politics)
4.
a. : an option giving the holder the right to demand of the seller that he deliver at a particular price or compel him to accept at the same price within a specified time specified securities or commodities — compare spread
b. : the state of being long in one market and short in another
5. : a doubling of the blind in a draw poker game
III. adverb
Etymology: straddle (II)
: astraddle