1. (v. t.) To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.

2. (v. t.) To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.

3. (v. t.) To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.

4. (v. t.) To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.

5. (v. t.) To deal with; to make a business of.

6. (v. t.) To treat; to use, well or ill.

7. (v. t.) To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.

8. (v. t.) To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.

9. (v. i.) To use the hands.

10. (n.) That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.

11. (n.) That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool.

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