Main Entry: ¹hand

Pronunciation: \ˈhand\

Function: 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>

— 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 also at the hand of : by or through the action of

— by hand 1 : with the hands or a hand-worked implement (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
3 : under consideration

— on all hands or on every hand : everywhere

— on hand 1 : in present possession or readily available <kept supplies on hand>
2 : about to appear : pending
3 : in attendance : present

— 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
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