handle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it

   I grabbed the hammer by the handle and pounded some nails.

2. 2
   verb

   touch, lift, or hold with the hands

   Don't handle the merchandise

3. 3
   verb

   show and train

   The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott

4. 4
   noun

   The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.

   Once his fingers strayed to the handle of his hunting-knife, and I should have interfered had I not been conscious that Wickliffe was on his guard.

5. 5
   noun

   An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext.

   They overturned him to all his interests by the sure but fatal handle of his own good nature.

6. 6
   noun

   The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments.

   The daily handle of a Las Vegas casino is typically millions of dollars.

7. 7
   noun

   A name or nickname, especially as an identifier over the radio or Internet.

   We sat together at the restaurant and asked him about his handle (CB name).

8. 8
   noun

   A title attached to one's name, such as Doctor or Colonel.

   The successful businessman was knighted and acquired a handle to his name.

Etymology

From Middle English handlen, from Old English handlian (“to handle, feel, deal with, discuss”), from Proto-West Germanic *handulōn, from Proto-Germanic *handulōną (“to take, grip, feel”), equivalent to hand + -le. Cognate with West Frisian handelje, hanneljen, hanljen (“to handle, treat”), Dutch handelen (“to handle, deal, act, negotiate”), German handeln (“to act, trade, negotiate, behave”), Swedish handla (“to buy, trade, deal”), Icelandic höndla (“to handle”).