Definitions for the word "handle" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. t.
To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To deal with; to make a business of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To treat; to use, well or ill.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To use the hands.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
1 part by which a thing is held, carried, or controlled. 2 fact that may be taken advantage of (gave a handle to his critics). 3 colloq. Personal title. v. (-ling) 1 touch, feel, operate, or move with the hands. 2 manage, deal with (can handle people). 3 deal in (goods). 4 treat (a subject). [old english: related to *hand]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
13. slang
a nose; the title appended to a person’s name; also a term in
boxing, “to HANDLE one’s fists,” to use them against an adversary.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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Additional Info
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