spread-eagle Definition

spread-eagle
adj

1. In a position where the arms and legs stretched out away from the body.

Example: tripped up and lay spread-eagle on the floor
Form: spread-eagled (also)

noun

1. A figure of an eagle with outstretched wings, especially when used as an emblem of the USA.
2. ice-skating.
A glide made with the skates held heel to heel in a straight line.

verb spread-eagled, spread-eagling

1. To lie or land, after a fall, etc, in a position with the arms and legs outstretched.
2. ice-skating.
To execute a spread eagle.
3. To spread someone's arms and legs apart and tie their wrists and ankles up to some kind of structure, eg a wagon wheel, and then beat them, as a form of punishment.