from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Handy \Hand"y\ (h[a^]nd"[y^]), a. [Compar. {Handier}
(-[i^]*[~e]r); superl. {Handiest}.] [OE. hendi, AS. hendig
(in comp.), fr. hand hand; akin to D. handig, Goth. handugs
clever, wise.]
1. Performed by the hand. [Obs.]
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To draw up and come to handy strokes. --Milton.
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2. Skillful in using the hand; dexterous; ready; adroit.
"Each is handy in his way." --Dryden.
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3. Ready to the hand; near; also, suited to the use of the
hand; convenient; valuable for reference or use; as, my
tools are handy; a handy volume.
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4. (Naut.) Easily managed; obedient to the helm; -- said of a
vessel.
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