from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Handle \Han"dle\ (h[a^]n"d'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Handled}
(-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Handling} (-dl[i^]ng).] [OE.
handlen, AS. handlian; akin to D. handelen to trade, G.
handeln. See {Hand}.]
1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the
hand.
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Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
--Luke xxiv.
39.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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They that handle the law knew me not. --Jer. ii. 8.
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6. To treat; to use, well or ill.
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How wert thou handled being prisoner? --Shak.
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7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
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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.
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We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
--Bacon.
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{To handle without gloves}. See under {Glove}. [Colloq.]
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