n. & v.
--n.
1. the part by which a thing is held, carried, or controlled.
2 a fact that may be taken advantage of (gave a handle to his critics).
3 colloq. a personal title.
4 the feel of goods, esp. textiles, when handled.
--v.tr.
1. touch, feel, operate, or move with the hands.
2 manage or deal with; treat in a particular or correct way (knows how to handle people; unable to handle the situation).
3 deal in (goods).
4 discuss or write about (a subject).
Phrases and idioms:
get a handle on colloq. understand the basis of or reason for a situation, circumstance, etc.
Derivatives:
handleable adj. handleability n. handled adj. (also in comb.).
Etymology: OE handle, handlian (as HAND)