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hand
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 dialect <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 marriage5 a: style of penmanship : handwriting <wrote in a fancy hand> b: signature6 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 horses8 a: assistance or aid especially involving physical effort <lend a hand> b: participation
, interest <had no hand in the decision> c: a round of applause9 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 machine2: 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 preparation3: under consideration
— on hand
— 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 : finished3: out of control4: with the hands <fruit eaten out of hand>
— to hand
1: into possession <the letter…has come to hand
— George Washington>2: within reach
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