[hand] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OE; akin to OHG hant hand] (bef. 12c) 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 ~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 usu. with another leaf
2. a: personal possession--usu. used in pl. "the documents fell into the ~s of the enemy" b: control, supervision--usu. used in pl. "left the matter in her ~s" 3 a: side, direction "men fighting on either ~" b: one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument "on the one ~ we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war"
4: a pledge esp. of betrothal or bestowal in marriage
5. a: style of penmanship: handwriting "wrote in a fancy ~" b: signature
6. a: skill, ability "tried her ~ at sailing" b: an instrumental part "had a ~ in the victory" 7: a unit of measure equal to
4. inches (10.2 centimeters) used esp. for the height of horses
8. a: assistance or aid esp. involving physical effort "lend a ~" b: participation, interest 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)
10. a: a person who performs or executes a particular work "two portraits by the same ~" b (1): a person employed at manual labor or general tasks "a ranch ~" (2): worker, employee "employed over a hundred ~s" c: a member of a ship's crew "all ~s on deck" d: a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit e: a specialist or veteran in a usu. designated activity or region "a China ~" 11 a: handiwork, doings b: style of execution: workmanship "the ~ 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 o 1: near in time or place: within reach "use whatever ingredients are at hand"
2: currently receiving or deserving attention "the business at hand" -- at the hands of also at the hand of : by or through the action of -- by hand 1: with the hands or a hand-worked implement (as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine
2: from one individual directly to another "deliver the document by hand" -- in hand 1: in one's possession or control
2: in preparation
3: under consideration -- on all hands or on every hand : everywhere -- on hand 1: in present possession or readily available
2: about to appear: pending
3: in attendance: present -- on one's hands : in one's possession or care "too much time on my hands" -- out of hand 1: without delay or deliberation; also: in a summary or peremptory manner
2: done with: finished
3: out of control
4: with the hands "fruit eaten out of hand" -- to hand 1: into possession
2: within reach
[2]hand adv (bef. 12c): with the hands rather than by machine [3]hand vt (15c) 1 a obs: to touch or manage with the hands; also: to deal with b: furl
2: to lead, guide, or assist with the hand "~ a lady into a bus" 3 a: to give, pass, or transmit with the hand "~ a letter to her" b: to present or provide with "~ed him a surprise" -- hand it to : to give credit to: concede the excellence of