ˈhændl n. & v. --n. 1
the part by
which a
thing is
held, carried, or controlled. 2 a
fact that may be taken
advantage of (gave a handle to
his critics). 3 colloq. a
personal title. 4 the
feel of goods,
esp. textiles,
when handled. --v.tr. 1
touch, feel,
operate, or
move with the hands. 2
manage or deal with;
treat in a
particular or
correct way (knows how to handle
people;
unable to handle the situation). 3 deal in (goods). 4
discuss or
write about (a subject). øget a handle on colloq.
understand the
basis of or
reason for a
situation,
circumstance, etc. øøhandleable adj. handleability n. handled adj. (also in comb.). [OE handle, handlian (as HAND)]