Spread  —v. (past and past part. Spread) 1 (often foll. By out) a open, extend, or unfold. B cause to cover a surface or larger area. C display thus. 2 (often foll. By out) have a wide, specified, or increasing extent. 3 become or make widely known, felt, etc. (rumours are spreading). 4 a cover (spread the wall with paint). B lay (a table). —n. 1 act of spreading. 2 capability or extent of spreading (has a large spread). 3 diffusion (spread of learning). 4 breadth. 5 increased girth (middle-aged spread). 6 difference between two rates, prices, etc. 7 colloq. Elaborate meal. 8 paste for spreading on bread etc. 9 bedspread. 10 printed matter spread across more than one column.  spread oneself be lavish or discursive. Spread one's wings develop one's powers fully. [old english]