handle

n.

1. A holder

   handhold, hilt, ear, grasp, tiller, crank, knocker, haft, bail, knob, stem, grip, arm; see also holder 1.

2. *A title

   nickname, designation, moniker*; see name 1, title 3.

fly off the handle*

handle

v.

1. To deal in

   retail, market, offer for sale; see sell 1.

2. To touch

   finger, check, examine; see feel 2, touch 1.

3. To direct

   supervise, control, manage; see advise 1, command 2.

4. To operate

   manipulate, work, wield, ply; see also manage 1.

handle implies the possession of sufficient (or a specified degree of) skill in managing or operating with or as with the hands to handle a tool or a problem; manipulate suggests skill, dexterity, or craftiness in handling to manipulate a machine or an account; wield implies skill and control in handling effectively to wield an ax, to wield influence; ply suggests great diligence in operating to ply an oar, to ply one's trade