Main Entry: ¹han·dle

Pronunciation: \ˈhan-d^əl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English handel, from Old English handle; akin to Old English hand

Date: before 12th century

1 : a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand
2 : something that resembles a handle
3 a : title 8 b : name; also : nickname
4 : hand 11c
5 : the total amount of money bet on a race, game, or event
6 : a means of understanding or controlling <can't quite get a handle on things>

— han·dled \-d^əld\ adjective

— han·dle·less \-d^əl-(l)əs\ adjective

— off the handle : into a state of sudden and violent anger —usually used with fly