I. ˈhand noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand
Date: before 12th century
1.
a.
(1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ
(2) : the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization
b. : a part serving the function of or resembling a hand: as
(1) : the hind foot of an ape
(2) : the chela of a crustacean
c. : something resembling a hand: as
(1) : an indicator or pointer on a dial
the hand s of a clock
(2) : index 5
(3) : a cluster of bananas developed from a single flower group
(4) : a branched rootstock of ginger
(5) : a bunch of large leaves (as of tobacco) tied together usually with another leaf
2.
a. : personal possession — usually used in plural
the documents fell into the hand s of the enemy
b. : control , supervision — usually used in plural
left the matter in her hand s
3.
a. : side , direction
men fighting on either hand
b. : one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument
on the one hand we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war
4. : a pledge especially of betrothal or bestowal in marriage
5.
a. : style of penmanship : handwriting
wrote in a fancy hand
b. : signature
6.
a. : skill , ability
tried her hand at sailing
b. : an instrumental part
had a hand in the victory
7. : a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses
8.
a. : assistance or aid especially involving physical effort
lend a hand
b. : participation , interest
had no hand in the decision
c. : a round of applause
9.
a.
(1) : a player in a card game or board game
(2) : the cards or pieces held by a player
b. : a single round in a game
c. : the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations)
trying to strengthen their hand
10.
a. : a person who performs or executes a particular work
two portraits by the same hand
b.
(1) : a person employed at manual labor or general tasks
a ranch hand
(2) : worker , employee
employed over a hundred hand s
c. : a member of a ship's crew
all hand s on deck
d. : a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit
e. : a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region
a China hand
11.
a. : handiwork , doings
b. : style of execution : workmanship
the hand of a master
c. : the feel of or tactile reaction to something (as silk or leather)
12. : a punch made with a specified hand
knocked him out with a good right hand
•
- at hand
- at the hands of
- by hand
- in hand
- on all hands
- on hand
- on one's hands
- out of hand
- to hand
II. adverb
Date: before 12th century
: with the hands rather than by machine
III. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1.
a. obsolete : to touch or manage with the hands ; also : to deal with
b. : furl
2. : to lead, guide, or assist with the hand
hand a lady into a bus
3.
a. : to give, pass, or transmit with the hand
hand a letter to her
b. : to present or provide with
hand ed him a surprise
•
- hand it to