Definition of: handle

(han′dəl) v. han·dled, han·dling v.t.
1. To touch, feel, etc., with the hands; use the hands upon.
2. To manage or use with the hands; manipulate: to handle a rifle.
3. To manage or direct; control.
4. To deal or treat with: to handle a disagreement.
5. To trade or deal in; buy and sell: to handle cotton.
6. To act toward; treat: They handled the matter shamefully.
—ν.i.
7. To submit or respond to handling: The horse handles well.
—to handle with (kid) gloves on To deal with very carefully and tactfully.
—noun That part of an object intended to be grasped with the hand in lifting or using, as a haft, helve, hilt, crank, bail, or knob.
—to fly off the handle To be suddenly and unreasonably angry; make an emotional scene. [OE handlian <hand hand]