handle
n
1 the part of a utensil, drawer, etc., designed to be held in order to move, use, or pick up the object
2 (N.Z.) a glass beer mug with a handle
3 Slang a person's name or title
4 (CB radio) a slang name for →
call sign
5 an opportunity, reason, or excuse for doing something
his background served as a handle for their mockery
6 the quality, as of textiles, perceived by touching or feeling
7 the total amount of a bet on a horse race or similar event
8 ♦
fly off the handle
Informal to become suddenly extremely angry
vb mainly tr
9 to pick up and hold, move, or touch with the hands
10 to operate or employ using the hands
the boy handled the reins well
11 to have power or control over
my wife handles my investments
12 to manage successfully
a secretary must be able to handle clients
13 to discuss (a theme, subject, etc.)
14 to deal with or treat in a specified way
I was handled with great tact
15 to trade or deal in (specified merchandise)
16 intr to react or respond in a specified way to operation or control
the car handles well on bends
(Old English; related to Old Saxon handlon (vb), Old High German hantilla towel)
♦
handleable adj
♦
handled adj
♦
handleless adj