eldest hand

American  

Or elder hand

noun

Cards.

1. the player on the dealer's left.

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Etymology

Origin of eldest hand

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

eldest hand

Should the eldest hand lead before the discard is completed, the lead stands, and the dealer can change his discard if he wishes.

From The Laws of Euchre As adopted by the Somerset Club of Boston, March 1, 1888 by Herbert Corey Leeds

The eldest hand is not bound to bid, but may pass.

From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Louis Hoffmann

“Bridge,”—when the score of the eldest hand is four to one or four to two in his favor.

From The Laws of Euchre As adopted by the Somerset Club of Boston, March 1, 1888 by Herbert Corey Leeds

The players in rotation, commencing with the eldest hand, have then the option of once doubling the value of each trick, and of once re-doubling an opponent's double.

From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Louis Hoffmann

The eldest hand leads any card he chooses and all must follow suit if able, the penalty for a revoke being the loss of the game.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various