handshake

[hand-sheyk]

noun

1. a gripping and shaking of right hands by two individuals, such as to symbolize greeting, congratulation, agreement, or farewell.

   It was a verbal contract, sealed with a firm handshake.

2. Computers.,  Also handshaking. an exchange of predetermined signals between networked or linked devices that is made when a connection is initially established or at intervals during data transmission in order to assure proper synchronization (also used attributively).

   A successful handshake is required between the server and client before the application will launch.

   Two handshake signals are exchanged between the computer and the printer—one from each device.

handshake

/ ˈhændˌʃeɪk /

noun

1. the act of grasping and shaking a person's hand, as when being introduced or agreeing on a deal

Word History and Origins

Origin of handshake¹

First recorded in 1870–75; hand + shake

Idioms and Phrases

see golden handshake.

Example Sentences

No need for bows and curtsies, handshakes and socially useful phrases now!

Read more on Literature

And indeed, Miss Mortimer was trying desperately to dismiss everyone, with handshakes all around and many exclamations of “Good night now, sleep well, sweet dreams!”

Read more on Literature

Ignoring Penelope’s offer of a handshake, Miss Mortimer flew to her feet and hugged her former student tightly.

Read more on Literature

India’s blind players were expected to mirror the conduct of their sighted teams when there was no handshake after the toss, but at the end of the match both sides warmly greeted each other.

Read more on Barron's

She is impressed that even the fiercest brawls on the field typically give way to laughter and handshakes at the conclusion of the match.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arrangement 
• bargain 
• bond 
• commitment 
• guarantee 
• obligation 
• pact 
• pledge 
• record 
• settlement