handicraft

[han-dee-kraft, -krahft]

See more synonyms for handicraft on Thesaurus.com

noun

manual skill.
an art, craft, or trade in which the skilled use of one's hands is required.
the articles made by handicraft: a shop offering the handicraft of various South American nations.

Also handcraft.

Origin of handicraft

1225–75; Middle English hendi craft dexterous skill. See handy, craft

Related formshand·i·craft·ship, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for handicraft

craft, art, artifact, product, invention, creation, profession, calling, production, design, achievement, trade, vocation, handiwork, result, artisanship

Examples from the Web for handicraft

Contemporary Examples of handicraft

And after I graduated, I succeeded in finding a job in handicraft and embroidery.
Meryl Streep Tells Zarcquona's Story
September 16, 2011

Historical Examples of handicraft

Machinery is a triumph of handicraft as truly as sculpture and architecture.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 497, July 11, 1885
Various
Cellini was remarkable for his readiness and dexterity in handicraft.
Self-Help
Samuel Smiles
We admit so much, but our handicraft was certainly not to blame.
Brighter Britain! (Volume 1 of 2)
William Delisle Hay
Yet perhaps he succeeded as well in it as he would have done at any handicraft.
Saved from the Sea
W.H.G. Kingston
The joint is self-wedging and will be of interest to Handicraft Instructors.
Woodwork Joints
William Fairham

British Dictionary definitions for handicraft

handicraft

noun

skill or dexterity in working with the hands
a particular skill or art performed with the hands, such as weaving, pottery, etc
Also called: handcraft the work produced by such a skill or artlocal handicraft is on sale

Derived Formshandicraftsman, noun

Word Origin for handicraft

C15: changed from handcraft through the influence of handiwork, which was analysed as if handy + work

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

Word Origin and History for handicraft

Old English handcræft "skill of the hand," from hand (n.) + craft (n.). Later hændecraft (c.1200), perhaps from influence of handiwork.