Hānd'-i-cāp, n.
n. 1. A race in which the horses carry different weights, according to their age and character for speed, &c., with a view to equalize the chances as much as possible; a contest in which the chances of success are made, by previous arrangement, as nearly equal as possible.
Sense 2. An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race to the competitor possessing inferior advantages, or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing superior advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the means of success; as, the handicap was five seconds, or ten pounds, and the like.