HANDLE
verb
Definitions
- 1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand. Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh. Luke xxiv. 39. About his altar, handling holy things. Milton.
- 2. To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully. That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper. Shak.
- 3. To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands. The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year. Sir W. Temple.
- 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.
- 5. To deal with; to make a business of. They that handle the law knew me not. Jer. ii. 8.
- 6. To treat; to use, well or ill. How wert thou handled being prisoner. Shak.
- 7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon. You shall see how I will handle her. Shak.
- 8. To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection. We will handle what persons are apt to envy others. Bacon. To handle without gloves. See under Glove. [Colloq.]
Other Definitions
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Added: October 09, 2025
Updated: October 09, 2025