spitchcock
Definition
Noun:
- A spitchcock is an eel that has been split, cut into pieces, and grilled or broiled, often with seasonings.
Verb:
- To spitchcock means to split, cut into pieces, and grill or broil (eel, fish, bird, or other small game) in a similar manner.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The chef prepared a spitchcock for the evening meal. (An eel that was split, cut, and grilled.)
- We enjoyed a traditional spitchcock with herbs. (A grilled eel dish.)
Verb:
- He learned how to spitchcock an eel from his grandmother. (To split, cut, and grill an eel.)
- They spitchcocked the fish over an open fire. (They prepared the fish by splitting and grilling it.)
Advanced Usage
- "To spitchcock a bird": to prepare a bird (such as a small game bird) by splitting it open, cutting it into pieces, and grilling.
- The recipe instructs you to spitchcock the quail before roasting. (Split and grill the quail in the manner of a spitchcock.)
Variants and Related Words
- Spitchcocked (adj): prepared in the manner of a spitchcock.
- The spitchcocked eel was served with lemon. (The eel was split, cut, and grilled.)
Synonyms
- Grill: to cook over direct heat.
- Broil: to cook by direct exposure to radiant heat.
- Split-grill: a compound method of splitting and grilling.
Phrasal Verbs
- Spitchcock up: (rare, informal) to prepare something in the style of a spitchcock.
- Let's spitchcock up this fish for the barbecue. (Let's split and grill this fish.)
Related Idioms
- No common idioms are associated with "spitchcock," as it is a specialized culinary term.