hand

noun, often attributive

\ ˈhand

Definition of hand

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a(1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ : the body part at the end of the arm of a human, ape, or monkey holding a pair of scissors in his hand She put her hands over her eyes.

(2) : the forelimb segment (such 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: such as

(1) : the hind foot of an ape

(2) : the chela of a crustacean

c : something resembling a hand: such as

(1) : an indicator or pointer on a dial the hands of a clock

(2) : a character ☞ used to direct particular attention (as to a note or paragraph) : fist, index

(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

2a : 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

3a : 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 He asked for her hand in marriage.

5a : style of penmanship : handwriting wrote in a fancy hand

b : signature

6a : 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 a horse that is 15 hands high

8a : assistance or aid especially involving physical effort lend a hand

b : participation, interest had no hand in the decision

c : a round of applause Let's give them a big hand.

9a(1) : a player in a card game or board game

(2) : the cards or pieces held by a player studied her hand

b : a single round in a game lost the first hand but won the next two

c : the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations) trying to strengthen their hand

10a : 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 a great hand at carpentry

e : a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region a Latin America hand

11a : handiwork, doings the hand of vandals

b : style of execution : workmanship the hand of a master

c : the feel of or tactile reaction to something (such as silk or leather)

12 : a punch made with a specified hand knocked him out with a good right hand

at hand

1 : near in time or place : within reach use whatever ingredients are at hand

2 : currently receiving or deserving attention the business at hand

at the hands of or less commonly at the hand of

: by or through the action of suffering at the hands of a cruel dictator

by hand

1 : with the hands or a hand-worked implement (such as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine

2 : from one individual directly to another deliver the document by hand

in hand

1 : in one's possession or control had matters well in hand with money in hand

2 : in preparation a new play in hand

3 : under consideration took the matter in hand

on all hands or on every hand

: everywhere could hear scurrying noises on all hands

on hand

1 : in present possession or readily available kept supplies on hand

2 : about to appear : pending There was trouble on hand.

3 : in attendance : present A priest was on hand to console them.

on one's hands

: in one's possession or care too much time on my hands

out of hand

1 : without delay or deliberation also : in a summary or peremptory manner rejected the plan out of hand

2 : done with : finished

3 : out of control They let the situation get out of hand.

4 : with the hands fruit eaten out of hand

to hand

1 : into possession the letter … has come to hand— George Washington

2 : within reach weapons ready to hand

hand

Definition of hand

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