HANDY

handy, ready to hand

(adjective) easy to reach; “found a handy spot for the can opener”

handy

(adjective) skillful with the hands; “handy with an axe”

handy

(adjective) useful and convenient; “a handy gadget”

Handy, W. C. Handy, William Christopher Handy

(noun) United States blues musician who transcribed and published traditional blues music (1873-1958)

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Originating as a nickname for a handy person.

Proper noun

Handy

A surname.

(rare) A male given name from English.

Anagrams

• Haydn

Etymology 1

Adjective

handy (comparative handier, superlative handiest)

Easy to use, useful.

Nearby, within reach.

Synonym: at hand

Of a person: dexterous, skilful.

Synonym: crafty

(slang) Physically violent; tending to use one's fists.

Of a freight ship: having a small cargo capacity (less than 40,000 DWT); belonging to the handysize class.

Antonyms

• awkward

Etymology 2

Noun

handy (plural handies)

(vulgar, slang) A hand job.

Etymology 3

Noun

handy (plural handies)

(Multicultural London English, slang) A handgun.

Anagrams

• Haydn

Source: Wiktionary


Hand"y, a. [Compar. Handier; superl. Handiest.] Etym: [OE. hendi, AS. hendig (in comp.), fr. hand hand; akin to D. handig, Goth. handugs clever, wise.]

1. Performed by the hand. [Obs.] To draw up and come to handy strokes. Milton.

2. Skillful in using the hand; dexterous; ready; adroit. "Each is handy in his way." Dryden.

3. Ready to the hand; near; also, suited to the use of the hand; convenient; valuable for reference or use; as, my tools are handy; a handy volume.

4. (Naut.)

Definition: Easily managed; obedient to the helm; -- said of a vessel.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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