/spred"ee'geuhl/ , adj., v., spread-eagled, spread-eagling .
adj.
1. having or suggesting the form of a spread eagle.
2. lying prone with arms and legs outstretched.
3. boastful or bombastic, esp. in the display of patriotic or nationalistic pride in the U.S.
v.t.
4. to stretch out (something) in the manner of a spread eagle.
v.i.
5. to assume the position or perform the acrobatic figure of a spread eagle: The skater spread-eagled across the rink.
[ 1820-30 ]