ppl. a.
1. Widely extended; † spec. of a horse, broad in the rear (obs.).
1577. B. Googe, Heresbach’s Husb., III. 115 b. he be brode hanched, & well spred behind, and goeth wide, his pace wilbe the surer.
1592. Greene, Black Book’s Messenger, Wks. (Grosart), XI. 18. Hee was a faire large Gelding well spread and forheaded.
1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit. (1637), 395. An ancient and well spred Family.
1639. T. de Grey, Compl. Horsem., I. iv. (1656), 37. He must have … large Thighes, round well spread Buttocks.
1676. Worlidge, Vinetum Brit., 51 Any Fruit on a low well-spread Tree, is better and fairer than that on a tall Tree.
1685. Lond. Gaz., No. 2062/4. Lost a black Coach Mare…, well spread behind.
1708. Rowe, Royal Convert, II. i. 18. I took my usual Way, To seek the Coolness of the well-spread Shade.
1748. Anson’s Voy., III. ii. 308. Woods of tall and well-spread trees.
2. Of a surface: Plentifully or elegantly covered with articles spread over it. Of a table: Laid out for a good meal.
1777. Potter, Æschylus, Choeph., 356. The well-spread couch Inviting soft repose.
1784. Cowper, Task, III. 408. Proud of his well-spread walls.
1825. Scott, Betrothed, viii. A well-spread bleaching-field!
1837. Lockhart, Scott, IV. v. 166. The curious neophytes that surrounded the well-spread board.
1854. Surtees, Handley Cr., xxiv. The pawing of a horse … caused him to look up from his well-spread table.
