Handle

v. t. [imp. & p. p. HANDLED; p. pr. & vb. n. HANDLING.] [From hand; A-S. handelian, handlian, to touch; Ger. handeln, D. handelen, Sw. handla, Dan. handle, Icel. höndla, to treat, act, trade, negotiate.]

1Sense 1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.

The bodies we daily handle . . . hinder the approach of the part of our hands that press them. Locke.

2Sense 2. To manage in appropriate use, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.

That fellow handles a bow like a crow-keeper. Shak.

3Sense 3. To make familiar by frequent touching.

Breeders . . . handle their colts six months every year. Temple.

4Sense 4. To deal with; to practice.

They that handle the law knew me not. Jer. ii. 8.

5Sense 5. To treat; to use well or ill.

How wert thou handled? Shak.

6Sense 6. To manage; to practice on; to transact with.

You shall see how I will handle her. Shak.

7Sense 7. To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat; to discourse on; to discuss.

We will handle what persons are apt to envy others. Bacon.

v. i. To use the hands; to labor or act by means of the hands. They have hands, but they handle not. Ps. cxv. 7.