backhander

American  

[bak-han-der] / ˈbækˌhæn dər /

noun

1. a backhanded slap, punch, stroke, or play.

2. British Slang.

   1. a drink served out of turn to a guest as a bottle or decanter is passed around the table during dessert.

   2. a bribe.

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backhander British  

/ ˈbækˌhændə /

noun

1. a backhanded stroke or blow

2. informal an indirect attack

3. slang a bribe

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Etymology

Origin of backhander

First recorded in 1795–1805; backhand + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Then early in the third, Johnston was denied on a in-close shot before Matt Duchene’s backhander.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2024

Stamkos slid the puck into open ice across the slot to Dumba, who one-timed a backhander toward the net.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024

Landon Slaggert set up the game-tying goal, taking the puck from Kings captain Anze Kopitar along the boards and feeding Joey Anderson, who scored his fifth goal of the season on a backhander.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2024

The new Byfield line produced the decisive goal, at 18:13 of the second period, when Byfield converted the rebound of a nifty backhander by Anderson-Dolan.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2024

Making a pull at Sally’s skirt, he glides quickly out of her way as she wheels round, and hits Mainmast an unintentional backhander on the nose.

From The Lonely Island The Refuge of the Mutineers by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)