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second hand

[sek-uh nd hand for 1; sek-uh nd hand for 2, 3]
noun
  1. the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.
  2. an assistant or helper, as to a worker or foreman.
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Idioms
  1. at second hand, from or through an intermediate source or means; secondhand: She had the news at second hand.
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Origin of second hand

1425–75 for def 3; 1750–60 for def 1; late Middle English
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for at second hand

second hand

noun
  1. a pointer on the face of a timepiece that indicates the secondsCompare hour hand, minute hand
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with at second hand

at second hand

Received from some source other than the original. For example, I learned of Mary's divorce at second hand. This phrase may be applied to information or to previously owned merchandise. [1400s] Also see at first hand.

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second hand

see at second hand.

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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.