01 v. t. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
imp. & p. p.
Handled; p. pr. & vb. n.
Handling
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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5.
To deal with; to make a business of.“They that handle the law knew me not.” — Jer. ii. 8.
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6.
To treat; to use, well or ill.“How wert thou handled being prisoner?” — Shak.
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7.
To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.“You shall see how I will handle her.” — Shak.
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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.
Phrases & compounds
To handle without gloves —
See under Glove.