Han"dle , n. [AS. handle. See Hand.]
1. That part of vessels, instruments, etc.,
which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the
haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
2. That of which
use is made;
the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool. South.
To give a handle, to furnish an
occasion or means.
Han"dle (hăn"d'l), v. i. To use the hands.
They have hands,
but they handle not.
Ps. cxv. 7.
Han"dle (hăn"d'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handled (-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Handling(-dl&ibreve;ng).]
[OE.
handlen, AS. handlian; akin to D.
handelen to trade, G. handeln. See Hand.] 1. To touch; to feel with the
hand; to use
or hold with the hand.
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath
not flesh.
Luke xxiv. 39. About his altar, handling holy things.
Milton.
2. To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
That fellow handles his bow like
a crowkeeper.
Shak. 3. To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or
take care of, with the
hands.
The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and
handle their colts six months every year.
Sir W. Temple.
4. To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's
hands; hence, to buy and sell;
as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.
5. To deal with; to
make a business of.
They that handle the law knew me not.
Jer. ii. 8.
6. To treat; to use,
well or ill.
How wert thou handled being prisoner?
Shak. 7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
You
shall see how I will handle her.
Shak. 8. To use or manage
in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
Bacon. To handle without gloves.
See under Glove. [Colloq.]
Hear it pronounced