n. The end of the arm or fore limb from the wrist outward, consisting of the palm, fingers, and thumb, and fitted for grasping objects.n. In anatomy, technically, the terminal segment of the fore limb of any vertebrate above fishes, consisting of three divisions, the carpus, metacarpus, and phalanges; the manus: the correlative of the pes of the hind limb. In this sense the term hand is used irrespective of modifications in structure or function. See manus, and cut under pinion.n. The end of any limb which grasps, holds, or clings, as the hind foot of a monkey, a bat, an opossum, etc.n. A measure of four inches; a palm: used chiefly in measuring the height of horses: as, a horse 14 hands high.n. Side; part; direction, to either right or left: used both literally and figuratively: as, on the one hand or the other.n. The mode of using the hand; touch; hence, skill in doing something with the hands, as controlling a horse by drawing upon the bit with the reins.n. Performance; handiwork; workmanship.n. Manner of acting or performance; mode of action.n. Agency; part in performing or executing; active coöperation in doing something.n. Possession; power; rule; control; authority: commonly in the plural.n. In card-playing: The cards held by a single player.n. A single round at a game, in which all the cards dealt at one time are played.n. One of the players.n. A game at cards.n. In heraldry, the representation of a human hand, usually couped at the wrist.n. Something resembling the hand in shape or appearance, as in having five or more divisions (fingers), or in use, as in pointing, etc.n. One of the groups, formed of one or two rows of the fruit arranged athwart the main stem of the bunch, into which a bunch of bananas or plantains naturally divides. A hand may contain from 8 to 20 separate fruits.n. A bundle or head of tobacco-leaves tied together, without being stripped from the stem.n. Five things sold together, as five oranges or five herrings.n. A figure like a hand used on sign-posts, etc., to indicate direction, or in print (as ) to call attention to a particular sentence or paragraph; an index.n. An index of a clock, watch, or dial of any kind, pointing out its divisions; a pointer: as, the hour- and minute-hands of a clock.n. One who is engaged in some particular manual employment, as in a factory or on a ship; a workman or workwoman.n. A person as acting in any way or doing any specified thing: as, a good hand at a bargain; all hands gave assistance.n. Style of penmanship; handwriting; chirography.n. A sign-manual; a signature.n. Terms; conditions; rate; price.n. A round of applause: as, he did not get a hand to-night.n. Pledge of marriage made by or for a woman; betrothal or bestowment in marriage.n. In some uses, a handle. See handle.n. A shoulder of pork.n. In Anglo-Saxon history, protection conferred by one in power or by the general community.n. [Hand is much used in composition, in reference to something made or done or to be managed or worked by hand, as hand-barrow, hand-bell, hand-loom, hand-saw, etc., or to that which is at hand, as handmaid, etc.]n. Near in time; not distant.n. In the state of preparation or execution; under examination, attention, etc.n. Accustomed to use the hands, especially in boxing or fighting.n. By every one.n. Under consideration; in intention; on foot.n. Off one's hands; done; ended.n. To be occupied with.n. To be in practice or skilled in any matter: as, he will do it well as soon as his hand is in.n. to have to do with; be occupied with or engaged in.n. To keep in a state of uncertainty; toy with; keep in expectation; amuse with the view of gaining some advantage.n. To bless, heal, ordain, etc., by the imposition of hands.n. To assist with; lend a hand to.n. To make another's cause one's own; join interests.n. To seize or consider and deal with: as, to take one's case in hand.To give or transmit by means of the hand.To lead, guide, or help with the hand; conduct: as, to hand a lady to a carriage.To manage with the hand or hands; manipulate; handle.To seize; lay hands on.Nautical, to furl, as a sail.To pledge by the hand; handfast.To go hand in hand; coöperate.Nautical, to ship as one of a crew; be or become a hand before the mast.n. One who, in the early days of Australian history, had been a convict.