OFFHAND


Meaning of OFFHAND in English

I. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adverb

Etymology: off (II) + hand

1. : without previous study or preparation : extempore

couldn't give the figures offhand

reasons she would give offhand if you asked her why she read novels — Bernard DeVoto

2. : from a standing position : without a support or rest

fire offhand with … accuracy in … deer shooting — Claude Parmalee

II. adjective

1.

a. : done or made offhand : extemporaneous; impromptu

offhand excuses

b. : showing no premeditation or preparation : casual , informal

bored, offhand manner

grumbled about the offhand , grudging service — Time

her clothes usually gave an offhand effect

2.

a. : shaped by hand without the use of molds

offhand glassworking

b. : done with a workpiece held in the hand

offhand grinding

offhand polishing

3. : fired from a standing position

rifle too heavy for offhand shooting

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.