bow hand
Americannoun
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Archery. the hand that holds the bow, the left hand for right-handed people.
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Music. the hand that draws the bow.
Etymology
Origin of bow hand
First recorded in 1580–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The right hand, the bow hand, is the direct opposite—it is the painter hand, the artist hand, its phrasing outlines the pictures of music; its nuances fill them with beauty of color.
From Violin Mastery Talks with Master Violinists and Teachers by Martens, Frederick Herman
The bow hand may be lowered or raised to obtain the proper elevation and length of flight.
From Hunting with the Bow and Arrow by Pope, Saxton
The strain of drawing a heavy bow is apt to pull the bow hand out of the line of sight.
From Entertainments for Home, Church and School by Seeger, Frederica
Oh…Wit, thou art now on the bow hand, And blindly in thine own opinion dost stand.
From Sir Thomas More by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)
Abe's desire to make a river trip was at last satisfied, and he accompanied the proprietor's son, serving as "bow hand."
From Abraham Lincoln, Volume 1 (of 2) The True Story Of A Great Life by Herndon, William H.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
