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hands

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hands


  2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Hand  \Hand\,  n.  [AS.  hand,  hond;  akin  to  D.,  G.,  &  Sw  hand, 
  OHG.  hant,  Dan.  haand,  Icel.  h["o]nd,  Goth.  handus,  and  perh. 
  to  Goth.  hinpan  to  seize  (in  comp.).  Cf  {Hunt}.] 
  1.  That  part  of  the  fore  limb  below  the  forearm  or  wrist  in 
  man  and  monkeys,  and  the  corresponding  part  in  many  other 
  animals;  manus;  paw.  See  {Manus}. 
 
  2.  That  which  resembles,  or  to  some  extent  performs  the 
  office  of  a  human  hand;  as: 
  a  A  limb  of  certain  animals,  as  the  foot  of  a  hawk,  or 
  any  one  of  the  four  extremities  of  a  monkey. 
  b  An  index  or  pointer  on  a  dial;  as  the  hour  or  minute 
  hand  of  a  clock. 
 
  3.  A  measure  equal  to  a  hand's  breadth,  --  four  inches;  a 
  palm.  Chiefly  used  in  measuring  the  height  of  horses. 
 
  4.  Side  part  direction,  either  right  or  left 
 
  On  this  hand  and  that  hand,  were  hangings.  --Ex. 
  xxxviii  15. 
 
  The  Protestants  were  then  on  the  winning  hand. 
  --Milton. 
 
  5.  Power  of  performance;  means  of  execution;  ability;  skill; 
  dexterity. 
 
  He  had  a  great  mind  to  try  his  hand  at  a  Spectator. 
  --Addison. 
 
  6.  Actual  performance;  deed;  act  workmanship;  agency;  hence 
  manner  of  performance. 
 
  To  change  the  hand  in  carrying  on  the  war. 
  --Clarendon. 
 
  Gideon  said  unto  God,  If  thou  wilt  save  Israel  by  my 
  hand.  --Judges  vi 
  36. 
 
  7.  An  agent;  a  servant,  or  laborer;  a  workman,  trained  or 
  competent  for  special  service  or  duty;  a  performer  more  or 
  less  skillful;  as  a  deck  hand;  a  farm  hand;  an  old  hand 
  at  speaking. 
 
  A  dictionary  containing  a  natural  history  requires 
  too  many  hands,  as  well  as  too  much  time,  ever  to  be 
  hoped  for  --Locke. 
 
  I  was  always  reckoned  a  lively  hand  at  a  simile. 
  --Hazlitt. 
 
  8.  Handwriting;  style  of  penmanship;  as  a  good,  bad  or 
  running  hand.  Hence  a  signature. 
 
  I  say  she  never  did  invent  this  letter;  This  is  a 
  man's  invention  and  his  hand.  --Shak. 
 
  Some  writs  require  a  judge's  hand.  --Burril. 
 
  9.  Personal  possession;  ownership;  hence  control;  direction; 
  management;  --  usually  in  the  plural.  ``Receiving  in  hand 
  one  year's  tribute.''  --Knolles. 
 
  Albinus  .  .  .  found  means  to  keep  in  his  hands  the 
  goverment  of  Britain.  --Milton. 
 
  10.  Agency  in  transmission  from  one  person  to  another;  as  to 
  buy  at  first  hand,  that  is  from  the  producer,  or  when 
  new  at  second  hand,  that  is  when  no  longer  in  the 
  producer's  hand,  or  when  not  new 
 
  11.  Rate;  price.  [Obs.]  ``Business  is  bought  at  a  dear  hand, 
  where  there  is  small  dispatch.''  --Bacon. 
 
  12.  That  which  is  or  may  be  held  in  a  hand  at  once;  as: 
  a  (Card  Playing)  The  quota  of  cards  received  from  the 
  dealer. 
  b  (Tobacco  Manuf.)  A  bundle  of  tobacco  leaves  tied 
  together. 
 
  13.  (Firearms)  The  small  part  of  a  gunstock  near  the  lock, 
  which  is  grasped  by  the  hand  in  taking  aim 
 
  Note:  Hand  is  used  figuratively  for  a  large  variety  of  acts 
  or  things  in  the  doing  or  making,  or  use  of  which  the 
  hand  is  in  some  way  employed  or  concerned;  also  as  a 
  symbol  to  denote  various  qualities  or  conditions,  as: 
  a  Activity;  operation;  work  --  in  distinction  from  the 
  head,  which  implies  thought,  and  the  heart,  which 
  implies  affection.  ``His  hand  will  be  against  every 
  man.''  --Gen.  xvi.  12. 
  b  Power;  might  supremacy;  --  often  in  the  Scriptures. 
  ``With  a  mighty  hand  .  .  .  will  I  rule  over  you.'' 
  --Ezek.  xx  33. 
  c  Fraternal  feeling;  as  to  give  or  take  the  hand;  to 
  give  the  right  hand. 
  d  Contract;  --  commonly  of  marriage;  as  to  ask  the 
  hand;  to  pledge  the  hand. 
 
  Note:  Hand  is  often  used  adjectively  or  in  compounds  (with  or 
  without  the  hyphen),  signifying  performed  by  the  hand; 
  as  hand  blow  or  hand-blow,  hand  gripe  or  hand-gripe: 
  used  by  or  designed  for  the  hand;  as  hand  ball  or 
  handball,  hand  bow,  hand  fetter,  hand  grenade  or 
  hand-grenade,  handgun  or  hand  gun,  handloom  or  hand 
  loom,  handmill  or  hand  organ  or  handorgan  handsaw  or 
  hand  saw,  hand-weapon:  measured  or  regulated  by  the 
  hand;  as  handbreadth  or  hand's  breadth,  hand  gallop  or 
  hand-gallop.  Most  of  the  words  in  the  following 
  paragraph  are  written  either  as  two  words  or  in 
  combination. 
 
  {Hand  bag},  a  satchel;  a  small  bag  for  carrying  books, 
  papers,  parcels,  etc 
 
  {Hand  basket},  a  small  or  portable  basket. 
 
  {Hand  bell},  a  small  bell  rung  by  the  hand;  a  table  bell. 
  --Bacon. 
 
  {Hand  bill},  a  small  pruning  hook.  See  4th  {Bill}. 
 
  {Hand  car}.  See  under  {Car}. 
 
  {Hand  director}  (Mus.),  an  instrument  to  aid  in  forming  a 
  good  position  of  the  hands  and  arms  when  playing  on  the 
  piano;  a  hand  guide. 
 
  {Hand  drop}.  See  {Wrist  drop}. 
 
  {Hand  gallop}.  See  under  {Gallop}. 
 
  {Hand  gear}  (Mach.),  apparatus  by  means  of  which  a  machine, 
  or  parts  of  a  machine,  usually  operated  by  other  power, 
  may  be  operated  by  hand. 
 
  {Hand  glass}. 
  a  A  glass  or  small  glazed  frame,  for  the  protection  of 
  plants. 
  b  A  small  mirror  with  a  handle. 
 
  {Hand  guide}.  Same  as  {Hand  director}  (above). 
 
  {Hand  language},  the  art  of  conversing  by  the  hands,  esp.  as 
  practiced  by  the  deaf  and  dumb;  dactylology. 
 
  {Hand  lathe}.  See  under  {Lathe}. 
 
  {Hand  money},  money  paid  in  hand  to  bind  a  contract;  earnest 
  money. 
 
  {Hand  organ}  (Mus.),  a  barrel  organ,  operated  by  a  crank 
  turned  by  hand. 
 
  {Hand  plant}.  (Bot.)  Same  as  {Hand  tree}  (below).  --  {Hand 
  rail},  a  rail,  as  in  staircases,  to  hold  by  --Gwilt. 
 
  {Hand  sail},  a  sail  managed  by  the  hand.  --Sir  W.  Temple. 
 
  {Hand  screen},  a  small  screen  to  be  held  in  the  hand. 
 
  {Hand  screw},  a  small  jack  for  raising  heavy  timbers  or 
  weights;  (Carp.)  a  screw  clamp. 
 
  {Hand  staff}  (pl.  {Hand  staves}),  a  javelin.  --Ezek.  xxxix 
  9. 
 
  {Hand  stamp},  a  small  stamp  for  dating,  addressing,  or 
  canceling  papers,  envelopes,  etc 
 
  {Hand  tree}  (Bot.),  a  lofty  tree  found  in  Mexico 
  ({Cheirostemon  platanoides}),  having  red  flowers  whose 
  stamens  unite  in  the  form  of  a  hand. 
 
  {Hand  vise},  a  small  vise  held  in  the  hand  in  doing  small 
  work  --Moxon. 
 
  {Hand  work},  or  {Handwork},  work  done  with  the  hands,  as 
  distinguished  from  work  done  by  a  machine;  handiwork. 
 
  {All  hands},  everybody;  all  parties. 
 
  {At  all  hands},  {On  all  hands},  on  all  sides;  from  every 
  direction;  generally. 
 
  {At  any  hand},  {At  no  hand},  in  any  (or  no)  way  or  direction; 
  on  any  account;  on  no  account.  ``And  therefore  at  no  hand 
  consisting  with  the  safety  and  interests  of  humility.'' 
  --Jer.  Taylor. 
 
  {At  first  hand},  {At  second  hand}.  See  def.  10  (above). 
 
  {At  hand}. 
  a  Near  in  time  or  place  either  present  and  within 
  reach,  or  not  far  distant.  ``Your  husband  is  at  hand; 
  I  hear  his  trumpet.''  --Shak. 
  b  Under  the  hand  or  bridle.  [Obs.]  ``Horses  hot  at 
  hand.''  --Shak. 
 
  {At  the  hand  of},  by  the  act  of  as  a  gift  from  ``Shall  we 
  receive  good  at  the  hand  of  God  and  shall  we  not  receive 
  evil?''  --Job  ii  10. 
 
  {Bridle  hand}.  See  under  {Bridle}. 
 
  {By  hand},  with  the  hands,  in  distinction  from 
  instrumentality  of  tools,  engines,  or  animals;  as  to  weed 
  a  garden  by  hand;  to  lift,  draw,  or  carry  by  hand. 
 
  {Clean  hands},  freedom  from  guilt,  esp.  from  the  guilt  of 
  dishonesty  in  money  matters,  or  of  bribe  taking.  ``He  that 
  hath  clean  hands  shall  be  stronger  and  stronger.''  --Job 
  xvii.  9. 
 
  {From  hand  to  hand},  from  one  person  to  another. 
 
  {Hand  in  hand}. 
  a  In  union;  conjointly;  unitedly.  --Swift. 
  b  Just  fair;  equitable. 
 
  As  fair  and  as  good,  a  kind  of  hand  in  hand 
  comparison.  --Shak. 
 
 
  {Hand  over  hand},  {Hand  over  fist},  by  passing  the  hands 
  alternately  one  before  or  above  another;  as  to  climb  hand 
  over  hand;  also  rapidly;  as  to  come  up  with  a  chase  hand 
  over  hand. 
 
  {Hand  over  head},  negligently;  rashly;  without  seeing  what 
  one  does  [Obs.]  --Bacon. 
 
  {Hand  running},  consecutively;  as  he  won  ten  times  hand 
  running. 
 
  {Hand  off!}  keep  off!  forbear!  no  interference  or  meddling! 
 
 
  {Hand  to  hand},  in  close  union;  in  close  fight;  as  a  hand  to 
  hand  contest.  --Dryden. 
 
  {Heavy  hand},  severity  or  oppression. 
 
  {In  hand}. 
  a  Paid  down  ``A  considerable  reward  in  hand,  and  .  .  . 
  a  far  greater  reward  hereafter.''  --Tillotson. 
  b  In  preparation;  taking  place  --Chaucer.  ``Revels  .  . 
  .  in  hand.''  --Shak. 
  c  Under  consideration,  or  in  the  course  of  transaction; 
  as  he  has  the  business  in  hand. 
 
  {In  one's  hand}  or  {hands}. 
  a  In  one's  possession  or  keeping. 
  b  At  one's  risk,  or  peril;  as  I  took  my  life  in  my 
  hand. 
 
  {Laying  on  of  hands},  a  form  used  in  consecrating  to  office, 
  in  the  rite  of  confirmation,  and  in  blessing  persons. 
 
  {Light  hand},  gentleness;  moderation. 
 
  {Note  of  hand},  a  promissory  note. 
 
  {Off  hand},  {Out  of  hand},  forthwith;  without  delay, 
  hesitation,  or  difficulty;  promptly.  ``She  causeth  them  to 
  be  hanged  up  out  of  hand.''  --Spenser. 
 
  {Off  one's  hands},  out  of  one's  possession  or  care 
 
  {On  hand},  in  present  possession;  as  he  has  a  supply  of 
  goods  on  hand. 
 
  {On  one's  hands},  in  one's  possession  care  or  management. 
 
  {Putting  the  hand  under  the  thigh},  an  ancient  Jewish 
  ceremony  used  in  swearing. 
 
  {Right  hand},  the  place  of  honor,  power,  and  strength. 
 
  {Slack  hand},  idleness;  carelessness;  inefficiency;  sloth. 
 
  {Strict  hand},  severe  discipline;  rigorous  government. 
 
  {To  bear  a  hand} 
  (Naut),  to  give  help  quickly;  to  hasten. 
 
  {To  bear  in  hand},  to  keep  in  expectation  with  false 
  pretenses.  [Obs.]  --Shak. 
 
  {To  be}  {hand  and  glove,  or  in  glove}  {with}.  See  under 
  {Glove}. 
 
  {To  be  on  the  mending  hand},  to  be  convalescent  or  improving. 
 
 
  {To  bring  up  by  hand},  to  feed  (an  infant)  without  suckling 
  it 
 
  {To  change  hand}.  See  {Change}. 
 
  {To  change  hands},  to  change  sides,  or  change  owners. 
  --Hudibras. 
 
  {To  clap  the  hands},  to  express  joy  or  applause,  as  by 
  striking  the  palms  of  the  hands  together. 
 
  {To  come  to  hand},  to  be  received;  to  be  taken  into 
  possession;  as  the  letter  came  to  hand  yesterday. 
 
  {To  get  hand},  to  gain  influence.  [Obs.] 
 
  Appetites  have  .  .  .  got  such  a  hand  over  them 
  --Baxter. 
 
  {To  got  one's  hand  in},  to  make  a  beginning  in  a  certain 
  work  to  become  accustomed  to  a  particular  business. 
 
  {To  have  a  hand  in},  to  be  concerned  in  to  have  a  part  or 
  concern  in  doing  to  have  an  agency  or  be  employed  in 
 
  {To  have  in  hand}. 
  a  To  have  in  one's  power  or  control.  --Chaucer. 
  b  To  be  engaged  upon  or  occupied  with 
 
  {To  have  one's  hands  full},  to  have  in  hand  al  that  one  can 
  do  or  more  than  can  be  done  conveniently;  to  be  pressed 
  with  labor  or  engagements;  to  be  surrounded  with 
  difficulties. 
 
  {To}  {have,  or  get},  {the  (higher)  upper  hand},  to  have  or 
  get  the  better  of  another  person  or  thing 
 
  {To  his  hand},  {To  my  hand},  etc.,  in  readiness;  already 
  prepared.  ``The  work  is  made  to  his  hands.''  --Locke. 
 
  {To  hold  hand},  to  compete  successfully  or  on  even 
  conditions.  [Obs.]  --Shak. 
 
  {To  lay  hands  on},  to  seize;  to  assault. 
 
  {To  lend  a  hand},  to  give  assistance. 
 
  {To}  {lift,  or  put  forth},  {the  hand  against},  to  attack;  to 
  oppose;  to  kill. 
 
  {To  live  from  hand  to  mouth},  to  obtain  food  and  other 
  necessaries  as  want  compels,  without  previous  provision. 
 
 
  {To  make  one's  hand},  to  gain  advantage  or  profit. 
 
  {To  put  the  hand  unto},  to  steal.  --Ex.  xxii.  8. 
 
  {To  put  the} 
 
  {last,  or  finishing}, 
 
  {hand  to},  to  make  the  last  corrections  in  to  complete;  to 
  perfect. 
 
  {To  set  the  hand  to},  to  engage  in  to  undertake. 
 
  That  the  Lord  thy  God  may  bless  thee  in  all  that 
  thou  settest  thine  hand  to  --Deut.  xxiii. 
  20. 
 
  {To  stand  one  in  hand},  to  concern  or  affect  one 
 
  {To  strike  hands},  to  make  a  contract,  or  to  become  surety 
  for  another's  debt  or  good  behavior. 
 
  {To  take  in  hand}. 
  a  To  attempt  or  undertake. 
  b  To  seize  and  deal  with  as  he  took  him  in  hand. 
 
  {To  wash  the  hands  of},  to  disclaim  or  renounce  interest  in 
  or  responsibility  for  a  person  or  action  as  to  wash 
  one's  hands  of  a  business.  --Matt.  xxvii.  24. 
 
  {Under  the  hand  of},  authenticated  by  the  handwriting  or 
  signature  of  as  the  deed  is  executed  under  the  hand  and 
  seal  of  the  owner. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  hands 
  n  1:  (with  `in')  guardianship  over  "my  fate  is  in  your  hands"; 
  "too  much  power  in  the  president's  hands";  "the  children 
  are  in  the  custody  of  their  mother"  [syn:  {custody}] 
  2:  the  force  of  workers  available  [syn:  {work  force},  {workforce}, 
  {manpower},  {men}] 




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