second hand

[sek-uhnd hand, sek-uhnd hand]

noun

1. the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.

2. an assistant or helper, as to a worker or foreman.

second-hand

¹

adjective

1. previously owned or used

2. not from an original source or experience

3. dealing in or selling goods that are not new

   a second-hand car dealer

adverb

1. from a source of previously owned or used goods

   he prefers to buy second-hand

2. not directly

   he got the news second-hand

second hand

²

noun

1. a pointer on the face of a timepiece that indicates the seconds Compare hour hand minute hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of second hand¹

1425–75 second hand for def. 3; 1750–60 second hand for def. 1; late Middle English

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at second hand, from or through an intermediate source or means; secondhand.

   She had the news at second hand.

see at second hand.