ˈhand( ə )lə(r), ˈhaan-, rapid -n( ə )l- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from handelen to handle + -er
1. : one that handles
all handlers of food in restaurants require a health certificate
the railroad was one of the largest handlers of coal in the world
as
a. : a worker whose task it is to move, carry, stow, or arrange materials or objects by hand or chiefly by hand
b. : one in immediate physical charge of an animal
c. : one that holds and incites a dog, gamecock, or other sporting animal in a match or hunt
d. : one that helps to train a pugilist or acts as his second during a match
e. : one professionally engaged in exhibiting animals in the show ring
f. : one that guides, directs, and acts as publicity man and general agent for another (as for a political candidate during a campaign)
2. : a worker who affixes handles (as to pottery or baskets)
3. : a pit containing tanning liquor in which hides are worked over or handled in the tanning process