hand

I. noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand Date: before 12th century 1. a. (1) the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ (2) the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization b. a part serving the function of or resembling a hand: as (1) the hind foot of an ape (2) the chela of a crustacean c. something resembling a hand: as (1) an indicator or pointer on a dial <

the hands of a clock

> (2) index 5 (3) a cluster of bananas developed from a single flower group (4) a branched rootstock of ginger (5) a bunch of large leaves (as of tobacco) tied together usually with another leaf 2. a. personal possession — usually used in plural <

the documents fell into the hands of the enemy

> b. control, supervision — usually used in plural <

left the matter in her hands

> 3. a. side, direction <

men fighting on either hand

> b. one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument <

on the one hand we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war

> 4. a pledge especially of betrothal or bestowal in marriage 5. a. style of penmanship ; handwriting <

wrote in a fancy hand

> b. signature 6. a. skill, ability <

tried her hand at sailing

> b. an instrumental part <

had a hand in the victory

> 7. a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses 8. a. assistance or aid especially involving physical effort <

lend a hand

> b. participation, interest <

had no hand in the decision

> c. a round of applause 9. a. (1) a player in a card game or board game (2) the cards or pieces held by a player b. a single round in a game c. the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations) <

trying to strengthen their hand

> 10. a. a person who performs or executes a particular work <

two portraits by the same hand

> b. (1) a person employed at manual labor or general tasks <

a ranch hand

> (2) worker, employee <

employed over a hundred hands

> c. a member of a ship's crew <

all hands on deck

> d. a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit e. a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region <

a China hand

> 11. a. handiwork, doings b. style of execution ; workmanship <

the hand of a master

> c. the feel of or tactile reaction to something (as silk or leather) 12. a punch made with a specified hand <

knocked him out with a good right hand

> II. adverb Date: before 12th century with the hands rather than by machine III. transitive verb Date: 15th century 1. a. obsolete to touch or manage with the hands; also to deal with b. furl 2. to lead, guide, or assist with the hand <

hand a lady into a bus

> 3. a. to give, pass, or transmit with the hand <

hand a letter to her

> b. to present or provide with <

handed him a surprise

>