(hand) noun
1. The part of the forelimb in man and other primates that is attached to the lower extremity of the forearm, and is adapted for grasping; it consists of the carpus, metacarpus, and fingers.
2. The end or distal segment of a limb when serving as a prehensile organ, as in bats.
3. Side or direction: At his right hand sat the president.
4. A side or viewpoint of a subject or question: on the one hand this and on the other hand that.
5. A part or role in doing something: They all had a hand in it.
6. plural Possession; control; supervision: The work is in my hands.
7. Aid; assistance: to lend a hand.
8. A pledge of betrothal, or a giving in marriage.
9. A manual laborer: a farm hand.
10. A person, as the performer of some action or task: a book written by various hands.
11. A person, considered with reference to his skill or ability: He was quite a hand with the violin.
12. Skill; ability; touch: The painting showed the hand of a master.
13. The members of a group or company: All hands joined in the sport.
14. A (specified) remove from a source of supply or information: a story heard at second-hand.
15. The cards held by a player at one deal; also, the player.
16. The playing of the cards at one deal.
17. Clapping of hands; a round of applause.
18. Handwriting; style of writing: a legible hand.
19. A person's signature.
20. Something resembling a hand in appearance or function.
21. The figure used as an index; fist.
22. The pointer of a clock.
23. A bunch of tobacco leaves on the stem, tied together.
24. A small cluster of bananas.
25. The approximate width of the palm; specifically, four inches: a horse 16 hands high.
26. The part of a gunstock grasped by the hand.
27. Law A manus.
—a great hand at or for A person specially fond of or clever at.
—at first hand At the source.
—at hand Within reach; nearby; convenient.
—at the hand of From the hand of; by the operation of.
—by hand With the hands; not aided by machinery.
—to have one's hands full To have all or more than one can do.
—in hand
1. Delivered in advance; paid in the hand.
2. In process of execution or under consideration: I have the matter in hand.
3. Entirely under control
—laying on of hands The act or ceremony of laying the hands on the head of another for the purpose of consecrating to a special office, or of blessing or healing.
—to lend a hand To help.
—off one's hands Out of one's care or control.
—on hand
1. In present or rightful possession: We have too many goods on hand.
2. In place; present: He was promptly on hand.
—on one's hands In one's care or possession; entailing responsibility on one.
—out of hand
1. Unruly; lawless: The rioters got out of hand.
2. Immediately; without delay; offhand.
—to hand At hand; close by; readily accessible.
—to wash one's hands of To take no further responsibility in; dismiss from consideration.
—v.t.
1. To give, pass, or deliver with or as with the hand; transmit; transfer.
2. To lead or help with the hand.
3. Naut. To furl, as sail.
—to hand down
1. To transmit, as to one's heirs or successors.
2. To deliver, as the decision of a court.
—to hand it to U.S. Slang To acknowledge the abilities, success, etc., of.
—to hand on To pass on; transmit.
—to hand out To mete out; distribute.
—to hand over To give up possession of; surrender. [OE hand]

(hand), Learned,
1872–1961, U.S. jurist.