— offhandedly , adv. — offhandedness , n.
/awf"hand", of"-/ , adv.
1. cavalierly, curtly, or brusquely: to reply offhand.
2. without previous thought or preparation; extempore: to decide offhand to take a trip.
adj.
3. informal, casual, curt, or brusque: an offhand manner.
4. Also, offhanded . done or made offhand.
5. Glassmaking. working manually and without the use of molds: offhand blowing.
[ 1685-95; OFF + HAND ]
Syn. 1. short, shortly, abruptly. 3, 4 . impromptu, extempore.
Ant. 4. considered.