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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Clumsy; awkward; unlucky; insincere; sinister; malicious;
as, a left-handed compliment.
[1913 Webster]
The commendations of this people are not always
left-handed and detractive. --Landor.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
{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