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Spreadeagle or spread-eagle is commonly used to refer to a position designed to cause the rapid submission and control of a person. It refers to a person being figuratively in the same position as an eagle with its wings spread: arms outstretched, legs apart. (see Spreadeagle (heraldry)). Usually, spreadeagle is accomplished with a person on the ground or against a wall.
The spreadeagle position is often found in the practice of sexual bondage. Normally, this consists of the fastening of the person's wrists and ankles to the corners of a bed, with the person lying face up. There are variations, such as the use of a St. Andrew's Cross.
This position places the restrained person in a position of considerable physical vulnerability, and, as with all bondage, precautions must be taken against the dangers of physical restraint.
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