hand
1. hand or at the hand of or on every hand \'hand\ n [ME, fr. OE; akin to
OHG hant hand] often attrib 1a1: the terminal part of the vertebrate
forelimb when modified (as in man) as a grasping organ 1a2: the segment of
the forelimb of a vertebrate above the fishes that corr esponds to the hand
(as the pinion of a bird) irrespective of its form or functional
specialization 1b: a part serving the function of or resembling a hand : as
1b1: the hind foot of an ape 1b2: the chela of a crustacean 1c:
something resembling a hand : as 1c1: an indicator or pointer on a dial
1c2: a stylized figure of a hand with forefinger extended to point a direct
ion or call attention to something; specif : INDEX 1c3: a cluster of
bananas developed from a single flower group 1c4: a bunch of large leaves
tied together usu. with another leaf 2a: personal possession - usu. used
in pl. 2b: CONTROL, DIRECTION 3a: SIDE, DIRECTION 3b: a side or aspect
of an issue or argument 4: a pledge esp. of betrothal or bestowal in
marriage 5a: style of penmanship : HANDWRITING 5b: SIGNATURE 6a: SKILL,
ABILITY 6b: an instrumental part {had a ~ in the crime} 7: SOURCE {at
first ~} 8: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches used esp. for the height
of horses 9a: assistance or aid esp. involving physical effort {lend a ~}
9b: PARTICIPATION, INTEREST 9c: a round of applause 10a1: a player in a
card game or board game 10a2: the cards or pieces held by a player 10b: a
single round in a game 11a: one who performs or executes a particular work
{two portraits by the same ~} 11b1: one exployed at manual labor or
general tasks {a ranch ~} 11b2: WORKER, EMPLOYEE 11c: a member of a
ship's crew {all ~s on deck} 11d: one skilled in a particular activity or
field 12a: HANDIWORK 12b: style of execution : WORKMANSHIP {the ~ of a
master} 12c: TOUCH, FEEL : near in time or place : by the act or
instrumentality of : with the hands 1a: in one's possession or control
1b: at one's disposal 2: in preparation : out of one's care or charge :
EVERYWHERE 1: in present possession 2: about to appear : PENDING 3: in
attendance : PRESENT : in one's possession, care, or management 1:
without delay : FORTHWITH 2: done with 3: out of control 1: into
possession 2: within reach 3: into control or subjection - at hand
2. hand vt obs 1a: to manage with the hands : MANIPULATE; also : to lay h
ands on 1b: FURL 2: to lead, guide, or assist with the hand {~ a lady into
a bus} 3a: to give, pass, or transmit with the hand {~ a letter to her}
3b: PRESENT, PROVIDE {~ed him a surprise}