handle

HAND'LE, verb transitive [Latin manus.] 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. 2. To manage; to use; to wield. That fellow handles a bow like a crow-keeper. 3. To make familiar by frequent touching. The breeders in Flanders--handle their colts six months every year. 4. To treat; to discourse on; to discuss; to use or manage in writing or speaking. The author handled the subject with address. The speaker handled the arguments to the best advantage. 5. To use; to deal with; to practice. They that handle the law knew me not. Jeremiah 2:8. 6. To treat; to use well or ill. How wert thou handled? 7. To manage; to practice on; to transact with. You shall see how I will handle her. HAND'LE, noun [Latin ansa.] 1. That part of a vessel or instrument which is held in the hand when used, as the haft of a sword, the bail of a kettle, etc. 2. That of which use is made; the instrument of effecting a purpose.