I. ˈhandēˌkap, ˈhaan-, -də̇ˌ- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: from obsolete English, a game of forfeits and exchanges in which the players held forfeit money in a cap, alteration of hand in cap
1. : a race or any contest of agility, strength, or skill in which in order to equalize chances of winning an artificial disadvantage is imposed on a supposedly superior contestant or an artificial advantage is given to one supposedly inferior
2.
a. : an advantage given a weaker contestant or a disadvantage imposed upon a stronger contestant in the form of points, strokes, weight to be carried, or distance from the target or goal in order to equalize chances of winning
b. : a disadvantage that makes achievement unusually difficult ; especially : a physical disability that limits the capacity to work
II. verb
( handicapped ; handicapped ; handicapping ; handicaps )
transitive verb
1.
a. : to give a handicap to
b. : to assign handicaps to in order to equalize chances of success
the horses were admirably handicapped in the race
2. : to put at a disadvantage
handicapped in his job by worries over debts
intransitive verb
: to engage in handicapping