from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Left-handed \Left"-hand`ed\, a.
1. Having the left hand or arm stronger and more dexterous
than the right; using the left hand and arm with more
dexterity than the right.
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2. Clumsy; awkward; unlucky; insincere; sinister; malicious;
as, a left-handed compliment.
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The commendations of this people are not always
left-handed and detractive. --Landor.
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3. Having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a
watch when seen in front; -- said of a twist, a rotary
motion, etc., looked at from a given direction.
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{Left-handed marriage}, a morganatic marriage. See
{Morganatic}.
{Left-handed screw}, a screw constructed to advance away from
the observer, when turned, as in a nut, with a left-handed
rotation. An ordinary wood screw is right-handed.
[1913 Webster] Left-handedness
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Morganatic \Mor`ga*nat"ic\, a. [LL. matrimonium ad morganaticam,
fr. morganatica a morning gift, a kind of dowry paid on the
morning before or after the marriage, fr. OHG. morgan
morning, in morgangeba morning gift, G. morgengabe. See
{Morn}.]
Pertaining to, in the manner of, or designating, a kind of
marriage, called also {left-handed marriage}, between a man
of superior rank and a woman of inferior, in which it is
stipulated that neither the latter nor her children shall
enjoy the rank or inherit the possessions of her husband.
--Brande & C. -- {Mor`ga*nat"ic*al*ly}, adv.
[1913 Webster]