Han"dle (hn"d'l), v. i. To use the hands.
They have hands, but they handle not.
Ps. cxv. 7.
Han"dle, n. [AS. handle. See Hand.] 1. 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.
2. That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a
tool. South.
To give a handle, to furnish an occasion or means.
Han"dle*a*ble (-*b'l), a. Capable of being handled.
Hand"less (hnd"ls), a. Without a hand. Shak.
Han"dling (hn"dlng), n. [AS. handlung.] 1. A touching, controlling,
managing, using, etc., with the hand or hands, or as with the hands.
See Handle, v. t.
The heavens and your fair handling Have made you master of the
field this day.
Spenser.
2. (Drawing, Painting, etc.) The mode of using the pencil or brush,
etc.; style of touch. Fairholt.
Hand"made` (hnd"md`), a. Manufactured by hand; as, handmade shoes.
{ Hand"maid` (-md`), Hand"maiden (-'n), } n. A maid that waits at hand;
a female servant or attendant.
Hand"saw` (-s`) n. A saw used with one hand.
Hand"sel (hnd"sl), n. [Written also hansel.] [OE. handsal, hansal,
hansel, AS. handselena giving into hands, or more prob. fr. Icel.
handsal; hand hand + sal sale, bargain; akin to AS. sellan to give,
deliver. See Sell, Sale. ] 1. A sale, gift, or delivery into the hand
of another; especially, a sale, gift, delivery, or using which is the
first of a series, and regarded as an omen for the rest; a first
installment; an earnest; as the first money received for the sale of
goods in the morning, the first money taken at a shop newly opened, the
first present sent to a young woman on her wedding day, etc.
Their first good handsel of breath in this world.
Fuller.
Our present tears here, not our present laughter, Are but the
handsels of our joys hereafter.
Herrick.