[f. SPREAD EAGLE sb. 4 b.] Extravagant laudation of the United States or assertion of their political importance; tendency to bombast or grandiloquence in this connection or in similar cases.
1857. New-York Tribune, 27 Jan., 5/3. An unlimited amount of spread-eagleism which … is interpolated merely to catch the applause of the star-spangled-ites of the Yankee pit.
1859. G. F. Train (title), Spread-Eagleism. Ibid., p. ix. We cannot fasten an ism on him (except Spread-Eagleism).
1864. Realm, 6 July, 3. Abuse of England is part of the platform of spread-eagleism: it pleases the Irish element, and produces votes.
1889. J. M. Robertson, Ess. Crit. Method, 104. Napier’s account of a Peninsular battle … with its saugrenu spread-eagleism.
So Spread-eagleist, one who is characterized by spread-eagleism.
1882. Graphic, 14 Jan., 26/2. It is easy to say that Mr. Blaine is an exceptional Spread-Eagleist, and that his opinions are not those of his countrymen.
1885. Pall Mall Gaz., 1 Dec., 5/2. He is little better than a brilliant failure, first among phrasemongers and the champion spread-eagleist of his time.
