second hand
[sek-uh nd hand for 1; sek-uh nd hand for 2, 3]
- the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.
- an assistant or helper, as to a worker or foreman.
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- 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
second hand
- 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.