handed

[ han-did ]

adjective

1. having or involving a hand or hands (usually used in combination):

   two-handed backhand; a four-handed piano work.

2. using a particular hand (usually used in combination):

   right-handed.

3. having, requiring, or with the number of people, workers, or players indicated (usually used in combination):

   a three-handed game of poker.

4. manned; staffed (usually used in combination).

-handed

adjective

1. having a hand or hands as specified

   a four-handed game of cards

   broad-handed

2. made as specified for either left- or right-hand operation or positioning

Word History and Origins

Origin of handed¹

First recorded in 1520–30; hand + -ed ³

Example Sentences

The clichés about football-obsessed husbands and frustrated wives are pretty heavy-handed.

From The Daily Beast

Some “hanging judges” have handed down hundreds of death sentences at a time.

From The Daily Beast

No indictments have been handed down against the police officers in question.

From The Daily Beast

The last of the cigars was handed out and the Che lookalike was paid and went back in search of other tourists.

From The Daily Beast

These medications will not continue to work when we need them if they are handed out like candy.

From The Daily Beast

"Buy something for your wife that-is-to-be," he said to his grand-nephew, as he handed him the folded paper.

From Project Gutenberg

Lawrence handed the General the mysterious message and Schofield read it with a darkened brow.

From Project Gutenberg

Still, if such an envelope should be handed him, he would breathe easier until it was opened.

From Project Gutenberg

The landlord handed him his bill—'Two weeks board at five dollars—ten dollars.'

From Project Gutenberg

Just smiled, a sardonic sort of grimace, and unbuckled his belt and handed it over without a word.

From Project Gutenberg