I. ˈhan-d ə l noun
Etymology: Middle English handel, from Old English handle; akin to Old English hand
Date: before 12th century
1. : a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand
2. : something that resembles a handle
3.
a. : title 8
b. : name ; also : nickname
4. : hand 11c
5. : the total amount of money bet on a race, game, or event
6. : a means of understanding or controlling
can't quite get a handle on things
• han·dled -d ə ld adjective
• han·dle·less -d ə l-(l)əs adjective
•
- off the handle
II. verb
( han·dled ; han·dling ˈhan(d)-liŋ, ˈhan-d ə l-iŋ)
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to try or examine (as by touching, feeling, or moving) with the hand
handle silk to judge its weight
b. : to manage with the hands
handle a horse
2.
a. : to deal with in writing or speaking or in the plastic arts
b. : to have overall responsibility for supervising or directing : manage
a lawyer handle s all my affairs
c. : to train and act as second for (a boxer)
d. : to put up with : stand
can't handle the heat
3. : to act on or perform a required function with regard to
handle the day's mail
4. : to engage in the buying, selling, or distributing of (a commodity)
intransitive verb
: to act, behave, or respond in a certain way when handled or directed
a car that handle s well
• han·dle·able -d ə l-ə-bəl adjective