'spreading adder' definitions:

Definition of 'spreading adder'

From: GCIDE

Puff \Puff\, n. [Akin to G. & Sw. puff a blow, Dan. puf, D. pof; of imitative origin. Cf. Buffet.]
1. A sudden and single emission of breath from the mouth; hence, any sudden or short blast of wind; a slight gust; a whiff. " To every puff of wind a slave." --Flatman. [1913 Webster]
2. Anything light and filled with air. Specifically: (a) A puffball. (b) kind of light pastry. (c) A utensil of the toilet for dusting the skin or hair with powder. [1913 Webster]
3. An exaggerated or empty expression of praise, especially one in a public journal. [1913 Webster]
Puff adder. (Zool.) (a) Any South African viper belonging to Clotho and allied genera. They are exceedingly venomous, and have the power of greatly distending their bodies when irritated. The common puff adder (Vipera arietans, or Clotho arietans) is the largest species, becoming over four feet long. The plumed puff adder ({Clotho cornuta}) has a plumelike appendage over each eye. (b) A North American harmless snake ({Heterodon platyrrhinos}) which has the power of puffing up its body. Called also hog-nose snake, flathead, spreading adder, and blowing adder.
Puff bird (Zool.), any bird of the genus Bucco, or family Bucconid[ae]. They are small birds, usually with dull-colored and loose plumage, and have twelve tail feathers. See Barbet (b) . [1913 Webster]