SPREAD EAGLE Meaning and
Definition
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Spread eagle is a colloquial term that has a variety of meanings depending on the context.
As a noun, spread eagle refers to a position in which a person's body is stretched out with their arms and legs extended wide, resembling an eagle in flight. It is often associated with various sports and physical activities. In gymnastics, for instance, it describes a move where a person extends their body horizontally with their legs split apart as wide as possible.
Furthermore, spread eagle can also refer to a specific sexual position in which one partner lies on their back with their arms and legs stretched out, while the other partner straddles them.
As a verb, spread eagle implies actions that involve extending or stretching out in a wide manner. In historical terms, during medieval times, it referred to a form of punishment in which a person was tied or fastened with their limbs spread apart.
Moreover, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe situations in which someone or something is displayed in an exposed or vulnerable state. For instance, in politics, it may refer to a political candidate who has been widely criticized or exposed for their actions.
Overall, spread eagle encompasses a range of definitions, from physical positions and movements to metaphorical depictions of vulnerability or exposure.
Common Misspellings for SPREAD EAGLE
- spreadeagle
- spread eagle
- apread eagle
- zpread eagle
- xpread eagle
- dpread eagle
- epread eagle
- wpread eagle
- soread eagle
- slread eagle
- s-read eagle
- s0read eagle
- speead eagle
- spdead eagle
- spfead eagle
- sptead eagle
- sp5ead eagle
- sp4ead eagle
- sprwad eagle
- sprsad eagle
Etymology of SPREAD EAGLE
The term "spread eagle" has its origins in heraldry and dates back to the 1500s. The word "spread" refers to the action of extending or splaying something wide apart, while "eagle" refers to the majestic bird of prey. In heraldry, an eagle with its wings spread wide is known as an "eagle displayed" or "spread eagle".
Over time, the term "spread eagle" gained a figurative meaning, commonly used to describe the physical position of someone lying face-down with arms and legs outstretched. This position, resembling the spread wings of an eagle, is often associated with vulnerability, submission, or being pinned down. Outside of heraldry, the phrase "spread eagle" can be found in various contexts, from gymnastics to skiing, where it refers to a similar extended position.
Similar spelling words for SPREAD EAGLE
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