n. & v.
n. 1 a a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in order to make the chances more equal. b a race or contest in which this is imposed. 2 the number of strokes by which a golfer normally exceeds par for the course. 3 a thing that makes progress or success difficult. 4 a physical or mental disability.
v.tr. (handicapped, handicapping) 1 impose a handicap on. 2 place (a person) at a disadvantage. handicapper n.
[ prob. from the phrase hand i' (= in) cap describing a kind of sporting lottery ]