Isaiah 8:8 uses this vivid term to describe the Assyrian invasion as a bird of prey with wings outstretched across the land of Judah. The noun captures the terrifying image of widespread domination—like a massive bird whose wingspan covers everything beneath. The grammatical form (plural construct) emphasizes the full extension of the conqueror's reach. This is not gradual encroachment but total, winged coverage—a metaphor that transforms military invasion into a predatory swoop.