straddle

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a noncommittal or equivocal position
noun a gymnastic exercise performed with a leg on either side of the parallel bars
noun the act of sitting or standing astride

As a verb, attested since the 1560s. Most likely, an alteration of dialectal striddle. The noun is first attested in the 1610s.

Carl straddled before her, on guard. — The Trail of the Hawk: A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life, Sinclair Lewis
I straddled one of the dining room chairs. — The Samurai Strategy, Thomas Hoover
"Just as big a one as you can straddle." — The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance, Lucas Malet

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