The popular, informal term spread eagle is derived from a heraldic depiction of an eagle "displayed," with both wings, the body and the legs displayed, which has been used as the emblem of a number of states and monarchs.

Examples can be seen:

• on the Great Seal of the United States
• the Bundesadler of Germany
• on the Coat of Arms of Poland
• on the Coat of Arms of Romania

The name The Spread Eagle is also used for a number of public houses in Britain, with a number of historic coaching inns bearing the name.

See also

• The Eagle and Child