GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Handle (hănˈd'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handled (-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Handling (-dlĭng).] [OE. handlen, AS. handlian; akin to D. handelen to trade, G. handeln. See Hand.]
1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
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Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh. Luke xxiv. 39.
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About his altar, handling holy things. Milton.
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2. To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
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That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper. Shak.
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3. To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
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The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year. Sir W. Temple.
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4. To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, “a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock”.
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5. To deal with; to make a business of.
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They that handle the law knew me not. Jer. ii. 8.
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6. To treat; to use, well or ill.
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How wert thou handled being prisoner? Shak.
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7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
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You shall see how I will handle her. Shak.
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8. To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
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We will handle what persons are apt to envy others. Bacon.
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To handle without gloves. See under Glove. [Colloq.]
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handled adj. fitted with or having having a handle; as, “a handled magnifying glass is easier to use”. Opposite of handleless.
[WordNet 1.5]