n.
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a : a light stroke, tap, or push b : a hit against an opponent in fencing
2 : the act or fact of touching also : the act or an instance of handling or controlling a ball (as in basketball or soccer)
3 : the special sense by which pressure or traction exerted on the skin or mucous membrane is perceived
4 : mental or moral sensitiveness, responsiveness, or tact <has a wonderful touch with children>
5 : a specified sensation that arises in response to stimulation of the tactile receptors : FEEL <the velvety touch of velour>
6 a archaic : the act of rubbing gold or silver on a touchstone to test its quality b : TEST , TRIAL ― used chiefly in the phrase put to the touch
7 a : a visible effect : MARK <a touch of the tropical sun> b : WEAKNESS , DEFECT
8 : something slight of its kind: as a : a light attack <a touch of fever> b : a small quantity or indication : HINT <a touch of spring in the air> c : a transient emotion <a momentary touch of compunction> d : a near approach : CLOSE CALL <beaten in the championships by a mere touch >
9 a archaic : the playing of an instrument (as a lute or piano) with the fingers also : musical notes or strains so produced b : particular action of a keyboard with reference to the resistance of its keys to pressure <piano with a stiff touch >
10 : control of the hands: as a : a manner or method of touching or striking especially the keys of a keyboard instrument b : ability to precisely control the path and speed of a shot or pass <a great shooting touch >
11 : a set of changes in change ringing that is less than a peal
12 a : an effective and subtle detail <applies the finishing touch es to the story> b : distinctive and often effective manner or method <the touch of a master> c : a characteristic or distinguishing trait or quality
13 slang : an act of soliciting or getting a gift or loan
14 : the state or fact of being in contact or communication or of having awareness <lost touch with her cousin> <let's keep in touch > <out of touch with modern times>
15 : the area outside of the touchlines in soccer or outside of and including the touchlines in rugby <the ball went into touch >
– a touch : SOMEWHAT , RATHER <aimed a touch too low and missed>