I. ˈhandē, ˈhaan-, -di adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: hand (I) + -y
1. obsolete : performed by hand
handy strokes — John Milton
2.
a. : ready to the hand : conveniently near and accessible
a handy restaurant just around the corner
kept his gun handy as long as danger was near
b. : convenient for handling, for use, or for reference
a handy volume
also : convenient for or adaptable to a variety of uses
a handy tool in the kitchen
c. of a ship : easily handled : obedient to the helm
3. : clever in using the hands especially in a variety of convenient ways
a man who is handy around the house
: adroit , dexterous
handy with a paintbrush
Synonyms: see dexterous
II. adverb
dialect : handily