| 释义 |
spread eagle
noun
Etymology: spread (III); translation of Middle French aigle esployee
1. : a representation of an eagle with wings raised and legs extended (as in an heraldic device or the silver insigne of the rank of colonel)
2. : something resembling or suggestive of a spread eagle: as
a. : a man tied (as to a wheel) with arms and legs extended
< make a spread eagle of you — R.H.Dana >
b. : a glide in figure skating executed with the skates heel to heel in a straight line
c. : a design used especially in chair and bed backs (as designed by Duncan Phyfe)
3. [so called from the spread eagle on the Great Seal of the U. S.] : bombastic or high-flown expression especially of United States chauvinistic sentiments
< a speech full of spread eagle > |