Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Sprat.

 Spout.Spread-eagle (To). 
CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
 
Sprat.
 
To bait with a sprat to catch a mackerel. To give a small thing under the hope of getting something much more valuable. The French say, “A pea for a bean.” (See GARVIES.)   1
 


 Spout.Spread-eagle (To). 

 
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