— handiness , n.
/han"dee/ , adj., handier, handiest .
1. within easy reach; conveniently available; accessible: The aspirins are handy.
2. convenient or useful: A typewriter is a handy thing to have in the house.
3. skillful with the hands; deft; dexterous: a handy person.
4. easily maneuvered: a handy ship.
[ 1275-1325; ME (in surnames); see HAND, -Y 1 ]
Syn. 3. all-round; versatile. See dexterous. 4. manageable, wieldy; yare.