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Glite Dictionary
⛸️ A skating move 🦅 An eagle emblem
spread eagle

spread eagle

7.5
An image of an eagle with wings and legs spread used on the United States seal
  • noun
  • /sprɛd ˈiɡəl/
  • US
translation icon : águila extendida
  • The presidential seal features a bold spread eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch.

Examples

  • He studied the American spread eagle on the Great Seal for his art project.

  • The coin's reverse depicted a majestic spread eagle symbolizing freedom.

  • The spread eagle is a symbol of freedom.

  • Many countries use a spread eagle in their coats of arms.

  • He studied the American spread eagle on the Great Seal for his art project.

  • The presidential seal features a bold spread eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch.

  • Many countries use a spread eagle in their coats of arms.

Synonyms

eagle
vsspread eagle
8 6.7

A picture of a large bird used as a sign of power or authority

focuses on a specific depiction with wings and legs spread

Surface Forms

spread eagle singular
spread eagles plural

Morphology

spread + eagle

The noun meaning is directly compositional: a 'spread eagle' denotes an eagle that is spread out (wings and legs extended), which can be derived from knowing 'spread' and 'eagle'. This literal, image-based composition follows regular descriptive patterns and is likely understandable to a B1 learner familiar with both words.

Etymology

Spread eagle. The noun spread eagle names the picture used on seals and flags of an eagle with wings spread and legs showing. That open, strong bird image came to mean the national emblem and a symbol of 'freedom'.