hand

noun

1. a. The terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping and holding and consisting of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and an opposable thumb.
   b. A homologous or similar part in other animals, as the terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates.
2. A unit of length equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), used especially to specify the height of a horse.
3. Something suggesting the shape or function of the human hand, especially:
   a. Any of the rotating pointers used as indexes on the face of a mechanical clock.
   b. A pointer, as on a gauge or dial.
4. Printing See index.
5. Lateral direction indicated according to the way in which one is facing: at my right hand.
6. a. A style or individual sample of writing.
   b. A signature: put my hand to the contract.
7. A round of applause to signify approval.
8. Physical assistance; help: gave me a hand with the bags.
9. hands Sports A handball in soccer.
10. Games
    a. The cards held in a card game by a given player at any time.
    b. The number of cards dealt each player; the deal.
    c. A player or participant in a card game: We need a fourth hand for bridge.
    d. A portion or section of a game during which all the cards dealt out are played: a hand of poker.
11. a. One who performs manual labor: a factory hand.
    b. One who is part of a group or crew: the ship's hands.
12. A participant in an activity, often one who specializes in a particular activity or pursuit: an old hand at labor negotiations.
13. a. The degree of immediacy of a source of information; degree of reliability: heard the scandalous tale at third hand.
    b. The strength or force of one's position: negotiated from a strong hand.
14. a. Possession, ownership, or keeping. Often used in the plural: The books should be in your hands by noon.
    b. Power; jurisdiction; care: The defendant's fate is in the hands of the jury. Dinner is in the chef's hands.
15. a. Involvement or participation: “In all this was evident the hand of the counterrevolutionaries” (John Reed).
    b. An influence or effect: The manager had a hand in all major decisions.
    c. Evidence of craft or artistic skill: can see the hand of a genius even in the lighter poems.
16. An aptitude or ability: I tried my hand at decorating.
17. The aesthetic feel or tactile quality of something, such as a fabric, textile, or carpeting, that indicates its fineness, texture, and durability.
18. A manner or way of performing something: a light hand with makeup.
19. a. Permission or a promise, especially a pledge to wed.
    b. A commitment or agreement, especially when sealed by a handshake; one's word: You have my hand on that.

verb hand·ed, hand·ing, hands verb, transitive

1. To give or pass with or as if with the hands; transmit: Hand me your keys.
2. To aid, direct, or conduct with the hands: The usher handed the patron to a reserved seat.
3. Nautical To roll up and secure (a sail); furl.
4. Sports
   a. To give (the ball) directly to a teammate, as in football. Often used with off.
   b. To carry, strike, or propel (the ball) with the hand or arm in violation of the rules in soccer.

verb, intransitive
Sports Phrasal Verbs: hand down To bequeath to one's heirs. To make and pronounce (an official decision, especially a court verdict). hand on To turn over to another. hand out To distribute freely; disseminate. To administer or deal out. hand over To release or relinquish to another. hand up To deliver (an indictment) to a higher judicial authority.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English

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Related Forms:

• handˈer noun

• handˈless adjective

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hand

A. phalanges

B. metacarpus

C. carpus