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16 definitions found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 :   [ gcide ]

  Hand \Hand\ (h[a^]nd), n. [AS. hand, hond; akin to D., G., & Sw.
     hand, OHG. hant, Dan. haand, Icel. h["o]nd, Goth. handus, and
     perh. to Goth. hin[thorn]an to seize (in comp.). Cf. Hunt.]
     1. That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in
        man and monkeys, and the corresponding part in many other
        animals; manus; paw. See Manus.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. That which resembles, or to some extent performs the
        office of, a human hand; as:
        (a) A limb of certain animals, as the foot of a hawk, or
            any one of the four extremities of a monkey.
        (b) An index or pointer on a dial; as, the hour or minute
            hand of a clock.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A measure equal to a hand's breadth, -- four inches; a
        palm. Chiefly used in measuring the height of horses.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. Side; part; direction, either right or left.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              On this hand and that hand, were hangings. --Ex.
                                                    xxxviii. 15.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The Protestants were then on the winning hand.
                                                    --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill;
        dexterity.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              He had a great mind to try his hand at a Spectator.
                                                    --Addison.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     6. Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence,
        manner of performance.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              To change the hand in carrying on the war.
                                                    --Clarendon.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my
              hand.                                 --Judges vi.
                                                    36.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     7. An agent; a servant, or laborer; a workman, trained or
        competent for special service or duty; a performer more or
        less skillful; as, a deck hand; a farm hand; an old hand
        at speaking.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              A dictionary containing a natural history requires
              too many hands, as well as too much time, ever to be
              hoped for.                            --Locke.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              I was always reckoned a lively hand at a simile.
                                                    --Hazlitt.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     8. Handwriting; style of penmanship; as, a good, bad, or
        running hand. Hence, a signature.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              I say she never did invent this letter;
              This is a man's invention and his hand. --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Some writs require a judge's hand.    --Burril.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     9. Personal possession; ownership; hence, control; direction;
        management; -- usually in the plural. ``Receiving in hand
        one year's tribute.'' --Knolles.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Albinus . . . found means to keep in his hands the
              government of Britain.                --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     10. Agency in transmission from one person to another; as, to
         buy at first hand, that is, from the producer, or when
         new; at second hand, that is, when no longer in the
         producer's hand, or when not new.
         [1913 Webster]
  
     11. Rate; price. [Obs.] ``Business is bought at a dear hand,
         where there is small dispatch.'' --Bacon.
         [1913 Webster]
  
     12. That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once; as:
         (a) (Card Playing) The quota of cards received from the
             dealer.
         (b) (Tobacco Manuf.) A bundle of tobacco leaves tied
             together.
             [1913 Webster]
  
     13. (Firearms) The small part of a gunstock near the lock,
         which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
         [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Hand is used figuratively for a large variety of acts
           or things, in the doing, or making, or use of which the
           hand is in some way employed or concerned; also, as a
           symbol to denote various qualities or conditions, as:
         (a) Activity; operation; work; -- in distinction from the
             head, which implies thought, and the heart, which
             implies affection. ``His hand will be against every
             man.'' --Gen. xvi. 12.
         (b) Power; might; supremacy; -- often in the Scriptures.
             ``With a mighty hand . . . will I rule over you.''
             --Ezek. xx. 33.
         (c) Fraternal feeling; as, to give, or take, the hand; to
             give the right hand.
         (d) Contract; -- commonly of marriage; as, to ask the
             hand; to pledge the hand.
             [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Hand is often used adjectively or in compounds (with or
           without the hyphen), signifying performed by the hand;
           as, hand blow or hand-blow, hand gripe or hand-gripe:
           used by, or designed for, the hand; as, hand ball or
           handball, hand bow, hand fetter, hand grenade or
           hand-grenade, handgun or hand gun, handloom or hand
           loom, handmill or hand organ or handorgan, handsaw or
           hand saw, hand-weapon: measured or regulated by the
           hand; as, handbreadth or hand's breadth, hand gallop or
           hand-gallop. Most of the words in the following
           paragraph are written either as two words or in
           combination.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Hand bag, a satchel; a small bag for carrying books,
        papers, parcels, etc.
  
     Hand basket, a small or portable basket.
  
     Hand bell, a small bell rung by the hand; a table bell.
        --Bacon.
  
     Hand bill, a small pruning hook. See 4th Bill.
  
     Hand car. See under Car.
  
     Hand director (Mus.), an instrument to aid in forming a
        good position of the hands and arms when playing on the
        piano; a hand guide.
  
     Hand drop. See Wrist drop.
  
     Hand gallop. See under Gallop.
  
     Hand gear (Mach.), apparatus by means of which a machine,
        or parts of a machine, usually operated by other power,
        may be operated by hand.
  
     Hand glass.
         (a) A glass or small glazed frame, for the protection of
             plants.
         (b) A small mirror with a handle.
  
     Hand guide. Same as Hand director (above).
  
     Hand language, the art of conversing by the hands, esp. as
        practiced by the deaf and dumb; dactylology.
  
     Hand lathe. See under Lathe.
  
     Hand money, money paid in hand to bind a contract; earnest
        money.
  
     Hand organ (Mus.), a barrel organ, operated by a crank
        turned by hand.
  
     Hand plant. (Bot.) Same as Hand tree (below). -- Hand
        rail, a rail, as in staircases, to hold by. --Gwilt.
  
     Hand sail, a sail managed by the hand. --Sir W. Temple.
  
     Hand screen, a small screen to be held in the hand.
  
     Hand screw, a small jack for raising heavy timbers or
        weights; (Carp.) a screw clamp.
  
     Hand staff (pl. Hand staves), a javelin. --Ezek. xxxix.
        9.
  
     Hand stamp, a small stamp for dating, addressing, or
        canceling papers, envelopes, etc.
  
     Hand tree (Bot.), a lofty tree found in Mexico
        ({Cheirostemon platanoides), having red flowers whose
        stamens unite in the form of a hand.
  
     Hand vise, a small vise held in the hand in doing small
        work. --Moxon.
  
     Hand work, or Handwork, work done with the hands, as
        distinguished from work done by a machine; handiwork.
  
     All hands, everybody; all parties.
  
     At all hands, On all hands, on all sides; from every
        direction; generally.
  
     At any hand, At no hand, in any (or no) way or direction;
        on any account; on no account. ``And therefore at no hand
        consisting with the safety and interests of humility.''
        --Jer. Taylor.
  
     At first hand, At second hand. See def. 10 (above).
  
     At hand.
         (a) Near in time or place; either present and within
             reach, or not far distant. ``Your husband is at hand;
             I hear his trumpet.'' --Shak.
         (b) Under the hand or bridle. [Obs.] ``Horses hot at
             hand.'' --Shak.
  
     At the hand of, by the act of; as a gift from. ``Shall we
        receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive
        evil?'' --Job ii. 10.
  
     Bridle hand. See under Bridle.
  
     By hand, with the hands, in distinction from
        instrumentality of tools, engines, or animals; as, to weed
        a garden by hand; to lift, draw, or carry by hand.
  
     Clean hands, freedom from guilt, esp. from the guilt of
        dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe taking. ``He that
        hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.'' --Job
        xvii. 9.
  
     From hand to hand, from one person to another.
  
     Hand in hand.
         (a) In union; conjointly; unitedly. --Swift.
         (b) Just; fair; equitable.
  
                   As fair and as good, a kind of hand in hand
                   comparison.                      --Shak.
             
  
     Hand over hand, Hand over fist, by passing the hands
        alternately one before or above another; as, to climb hand
        over hand; also, rapidly; as, to come up with a chase hand
        over hand.
  
     Hand over head, negligently; rashly; without seeing what
        one does. [Obs.] --Bacon.
  
     Hand running, consecutively; as, he won ten times hand
        running.
  
     Hands off! keep off! forbear! no interference or meddling!
        
  
     Hand to hand, in close union; in close fight; as, a hand to
        hand contest. --Dryden.
  
     Heavy hand, severity or oppression.
  
     In hand.
         (a) Paid down. ``A considerable reward in hand, and . . .
             a far greater reward hereafter.'' --Tillotson.
         (b) In preparation; taking place. --Chaucer. ``Revels . .
             . in hand.'' --Shak.
         (c) Under consideration, or in the course of transaction;
             as, he has the business in hand.
  
     In one's hand or In one's hands.
         (a) In one's possession or keeping.
         (b) At one's risk, or peril; as, I took my life in my
             hand.
  
     Laying on of hands, a form used in consecrating to office,
        in the rite of confirmation, and in blessing persons.
  
     Light hand, gentleness; moderation.
  
     Note of hand, a promissory note.
  
     Off hand, Out of hand, forthwith; without delay,
        hesitation, or difficulty; promptly. ``She causeth them to
        be hanged up out of hand.'' --Spenser.
  
     Off one's hands, out of one's possession or care.
  
     On hand, in present possession; as, he has a supply of
        goods on hand.
  
     On one's hands, in one's possession care, or management.
  
     Putting the hand under the thigh, an ancient Jewish
        ceremony used in swearing.
  
     Right hand, the place of honor, power, and strength.
  
     Slack hand, idleness; carelessness; inefficiency; sloth.
  
     Strict hand, severe discipline; rigorous government.
  
     To bear a hand (Naut.), to give help quickly; to hasten.
  
     To bear in hand, to keep in expectation with false
        pretenses. [Obs.] --Shak.
  
     To be hand and glove with or To be hand in glove with.
        See under Glove.
  
     To be on the mending hand, to be convalescent or improving.
        
  
     To bring up by hand, to feed (an infant) without suckling
        it.
  
     To change hand. See Change.
  
     To change hands, to change sides, or change owners.
        --Hudibras.
  
     To clap the hands, to express joy or applause, as by
        striking the palms of the hands together.
  
     To come to hand, to be received; to be taken into
        possession; as, the letter came to hand yesterday.
  
     To get hand, to gain influence. [Obs.]
  
              Appetites have . . . got such a hand over them.
                                                    --Baxter.
  
     To get one's hand in, to make a beginning in a certain
        work; to become accustomed to a particular business.
  
     To have a hand in, to be concerned in; to have a part or
        concern in doing; to have an agency or be employed in.
  
     To have in hand.
         (a) To have in one's power or control. --Chaucer.
         (b) To be engaged upon or occupied with.
  
     To have one's hands full, to have in hand all that one can
        do, or more than can be done conveniently; to be pressed
        with labor or engagements; to be surrounded with
        difficulties.
  
     To have the (higher) upper hand, or To get the (higher)
     upper hand, to have, or get, the better of another person or
        thing.
  
     To his hand, To my hand, etc., in readiness; already
        prepared. ``The work is made to his hands.'' --Locke.
  
     To hold hand, to compete successfully or on even
        conditions. [Obs.] --Shak.
  
     To lay hands on, to seize; to assault.
  
     To lend a hand, to give assistance.
  
     To lift the hand against, or To put forth the hand
     against, to attack; to oppose; to kill.
  
     To live from hand to mouth, to obtain food and other
        necessaries as want compels, without previous provision.
        
  
     To make one's hand, to gain advantage or profit.
  
     To put the hand unto, to steal. --Ex. xxii. 8.
  
     To put the last hand to, or To put the finishing hand to,
        to make the last corrections in; to complete; to perfect.
        
  
     To set the hand to, to engage in; to undertake.
  
              That the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that
              thou settest thine hand to.           --Deut. xxiii.
                                                    20.
  
     To stand one in hand, to concern or affect one.
  
     To strike hands, to make a contract, or to become surety
        for another's debt or good behavior.
  
     To take in hand.
         (a) To attempt or undertake.
         (b) To seize and deal with; as, he took him in hand.
  
     To wash the hands of, to disclaim or renounce interest in,
        or responsibility for, a person or action; as, to wash
        one's hands of a business. --Matt. xxvii. 24.
  
     Under the hand of, authenticated by the handwriting or
        signature of; as, the deed is executed under the hand and
        seal of the owner.
        [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 :   [ gcide ]

  Out \Out\ (out), adv. [OE. out, ut, oute, ute, AS. [=u]t, and
     [=u]te, [=u]tan, fr. [=u]t; akin to D. uit, OS. [=u]t, G.
     aus, OHG. [=u]z, Icel. [=u]t, Sw. ut, Dan. ud, Goth. ut, Skr.
     ud. [root]198. Cf. About, But, prep., Carouse, Utter,
     a.]
     In its original and strict sense, out means from the interior
     of something; beyond the limits or boundary of somethings; in
     a position or relation which is exterior to something; --
     opposed to in or into. The something may be expressed
     after of, from, etc. (see Out of, below); or, if not
     expressed, it is implied; as, he is out; or, he is out of the
     house, office, business, etc.; he came out; or, he came out
     from the ship, meeting, sect, party, etc. Out is used in a
     variety of applications, as: 
     [1913 Webster]
  
     1. Away; abroad; off; from home, or from a certain, or a
        usual, place; not in; not in a particular, or a usual,
        place; as, the proprietor is out, his team was taken out.
        Opposite of in. ``My shoulder blade is out.'' --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              He hath been out (of the country) nine years.
                                                    --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Beyond the limits of concealment, confinement, privacy,
        constraint, etc., actual or figurative; hence, not in
        concealment, constraint, etc., in, or into, a state of
        freedom, openness, disclosure, publicity, etc.; a matter
        of public knowledge; as, the sun shines out; he laughed
        out, to be out at the elbows; the secret has leaked out,
        or is out; the disease broke out on his face; the book is
        out.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Leaves are out and perfect in a month. --Bacon.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              She has not been out [in general society] very long.
                                                    --H. James.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Beyond the limit of existence, continuance, or supply; to
        the end; completely; hence, in, or into, a condition of
        extinction, exhaustion, completion; as, the fuel, or the
        fire, has burned out; that style is on the way out. ``Hear
        me out.'' --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Deceitful men shall not live out half their days.
                                                    --Ps. iv. 23.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              When the butt is out, we will drink water. --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. Beyond possession, control, or occupation; hence, in, or
        into, a state of want, loss, or deprivation; -- used of
        office, business, property, knowledge, etc.; as, the
        Democrats went out and the Whigs came in; he put his money
        out at interest. ``Land that is out at rack rent.''
        --Locke. ``He was out fifty pounds.'' --Bp. Fell.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              I have forgot my part, and I am out.  --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. Beyond the bounds of what is true, reasonable, correct,
        proper, common, etc.; in error or mistake; in a wrong or
        incorrect position or opinion; in a state of disagreement,
        opposition, etc.; in an inharmonious relation. ``Lancelot
        and I are out.'' --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Wicked men are strangely out in the calculating of
              their own interest.                   --South.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Very seldom out, in these his guesses. --Addison.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     6. Not in the position to score in playing a game; not in the
        state or turn of the play for counting or gaining scores.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     7. Out of fashion; unfashionable; no longer in current vogue;
        unpopular.
        [PJC]
  
     Note: Out is largely used in composition as a prefix, with
           the same significations that it has as a separate word;
           as outbound, outbreak, outbuilding, outcome, outdo,
           outdoor, outfield. See also the first Note under
           Over, adv.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Day in, day out, from the beginning to the limit of each of
        several days; day by day; every day.
  
     Out at, Out in, Out on, etc., elliptical phrases, that
        to which out refers as a source, origin, etc., being
        omitted; as, out (of the house and) at the barn; out (of
        the house, road, fields, etc., and) in the woods.
  
              Three fishers went sailing out into the west,
              Out into the west, as the sun went down. --C.
                                                    Kingsley.
  
     Note: In these lines after out may be understood, ``of the
           harbor,'' ``from the shore,'' ``of sight,'' or some
           similar phrase. The complete construction is seen in
           the saying: ``Out of the frying pan into the fire.''
  
     Out from, a construction similar to out of (below). See
        Of and From.
  
     Out of, a phrase which may be considered either as composed
        of an adverb and a preposition, each having its
        appropriate office in the sentence, or as a compound
        preposition. Considered as a preposition, it denotes, with
        verbs of movement or action, from the interior of; beyond
        the limit: from; hence, origin, source, motive, departure,
        separation, loss, etc.; -- opposed to in or into; also
        with verbs of being, the state of being derived, removed,
        or separated from. Examples may be found in the phrases
        below, and also under Vocabulary words; as, out of breath;
        out of countenance.
  
     Out of cess, beyond measure, excessively. --Shak.
  
     Out of character, unbecoming; improper.
  
     Out of conceit with, not pleased with. See under Conceit.
        
  
     Out of date, not timely; unfashionable; antiquated.
  
     Out of door, Out of doors, beyond the doors; from the
        house; not inside a building; in, or into, the open air;
        hence, figuratively, shut out; dismissed. See under
        Door, also, Out-of-door, Outdoor, Outdoors, in the
        Vocabulary. ``He 's quality, and the question's out of
        door,'' --Dryden.
  
     Out of favor, disliked; under displeasure.
  
     Out of frame, not in correct order or condition; irregular;
        disarranged. --Latimer.
  
     Out of hand, immediately; without delay or preparation;
        without hesitation or debate; as, to dismiss a suggestion
        out of hand. ``Ananias . . . fell down and died out of
        hand.'' --Latimer.
  
     Out of harm's way, beyond the danger limit; in a safe
        place.
  
     Out of joint, not in proper connection or adjustment;
        unhinged; disordered. ``The time is out of joint.''
        --Shak.
  
     Out of mind, not in mind; forgotten; also, beyond the limit
        of memory; as, time out of mind.
  
     Out of one's head, beyond commanding one's mental powers;
        in a wandering state mentally; delirious. [Colloq.]
  
     Out of one's time, beyond one's period of minority or
        apprenticeship.
  
     Out of order, not in proper order; disarranged; in
        confusion.
  
     Out of place, not in the usual or proper place; hence, not
        proper or becoming.
  
     Out of pocket, in a condition of having expended or lost
        more money than one has received.
  
     Out of print, not in market, the edition printed being
        exhausted; -- said of books, pamphlets, etc.
  
     Out of the question, beyond the limits or range of
        consideration; impossible to be favorably considered.
  
     Out of reach, beyond one's reach; inaccessible.
  
     Out of season, not in a proper season or time; untimely;
        inopportune.
  
     Out of sorts, wanting certain things; unsatisfied; unwell;
        unhappy; cross. See under Sort, n.
  
     Out of temper, not in good temper; irritated; angry.
  
     Out of time, not in proper time; too soon, or too late.
  
     Out of time, not in harmony; discordant; hence, not in an
        agreeing temper; fretful.
  
     Out of twist, Out of winding, or Out of wind, not in
        warped condition; perfectly plain and smooth; -- said of
        surfaces.
  
     Out of use, not in use; unfashionable; obsolete.
  
     Out of the way.
        (a) On one side; hard to reach or find; secluded.
        (b) Improper; unusual; wrong.
  
     Out of the woods, not in a place, or state, of obscurity or
        doubt; free from difficulty or perils; safe. [Colloq.]
  
     Out to out, from one extreme limit to another, including
        the whole length, breadth, or thickness; -- applied to
        measurements.
  
     Out West, in or towards, the West; specifically, in some
        Western State or Territory. [U. S.]
  
     To come out, To cut out, To fall out, etc. See under
        Come, Cut, Fall, etc.
  
     To make out See to make out under make, v. t. and v.
        i..
  
     To put out of the way, to kill; to destroy.
  
     Week in, week out. See Day in, day out (above).
        [1913 Webster]

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) :   [ web1913 ]

  Out \Out\, adv. [OE. out, ut, oute, ute, AS. [=u]t, and [=u]te,
     [=u]tan, fr. [=u]t; akin to D. uit, OS. [=u]t, G. aus, OHG.
     [=u]z, Icel. [=u]t, Sw. ut, Dan. ud, Goth. ut, Skr. ud.
     [root]198. Cf. About, But, prep., Carouse, Utter, a.]
     In its original and strict sense, out means from the interior
     of something; beyond the limits or boundary of somethings; in
     a position or relation which is exterior to something; --
     opposed to in or into. The something may be expressed
     after of, from, etc. (see Out of, below); or, if not
     expressed, it is implied; as, he is out; or, he is out of the
     house, office, business, etc.; he came out; or, he came out
     from the ship, meeting, sect, party, etc. Out is used in a
     variety of applications, as:
  
     1. Away; abroad; off; from home, or from a certain, or a
        usual, place; not in; not in a particular, or a usual,
        place; as, the proprietor is out, his team was taken out.
        ``My shoulder blade is out.'' --Shak.
  
              He hath been out (of the country) nine years.
                                                    --Shak.
  
     2. Beyond the limits of concealment, confinement, privacy,
        constraint, etc., actual of figurative; hence, not in
        concealment, constraint, etc., in, or into, a state of
        freedom, openness, disclosure, publicity, etc.; as, the
        sun shines out; he laughed out, to be out at the elbows;
        the secret has leaked out, or is out; the disease broke
        out on his face; the book is out.
  
              Leaves are out and perfect in a month. --Bacon.
  
              She has not been out [in general society] very long.
                                                    --H. James.
  
     3. Beyond the limit of existence, continuance, or supply; to
        the end; completely; hence, in, or into, a condition of
        extinction, exhaustion, completion; as, the fuel, or the
        fire, has burned out. ``Hear me out.'' --Dryden.
  
              Deceitiful men shall not live out half their days.
                                                    --Ps. iv. 23.
  
              When the butt is out, we will drink water. --Shak.
  
     4. Beyond possession, control, or occupation; hence, in, or
        into, a state of want, loss, or deprivation; -- used of
        office, business, property, knowledge, etc.; as, the
        Democrats went out and the Whigs came in; he put his money
        out at interest. ``Land that is out at rack rent.''
        --Locke. ``He was out fifty pounds.'' --Bp. Fell.
  
              I have forgot my part, and I am out.  --Shak.
  
     5. Beyond the bounds of what is true, reasonable, correct,
        proper, common, etc.; in error or mistake; in a wrong or
        incorrect position or opinion; in a state of disagreement,
        opposition, etc.; in an inharmonious relation. ``Lancelot
        and I are out.'' --Shak.
  
              Wicked men are strangely out in the calculating of
              their own interest.                   --South.
  
              Very seldom out, in these his guesses. --Addison.
  
     6. Not in the position to score in playing a game; not in the
        state or turn of the play for counting or gaining scores.
  
     Note: Out is largely used in composition as a prefix, with
           the same significations that it has as a separate word;
           as outbound, outbreak, outbuilding, outcome, outdo,
           outdoor, outfield. See also the first Note under
           Over, adv.
  
     Day in, day out, from the beginning to the limit of each of
        several days; day by day; every day.
  
     Out and out.
        (a) adv. Completely; wholly; openly.
        (b) adj. Without any reservation or disguise; absolute;
            as, an out and out villain. [As an adj. written also
            out-and-out.]
  
     Out at, Out in, Out on, etc., elliptical phrases, that
        to which out refers as a source, origin, etc., being
        omitted; as, out (of the house and) at the barn; out (of
        the house, road, fields, etc., and) in the woods.
  
              Three fishers went sailing out into the west, Out
              into the west, as the sun went down.  --C. Kingsley.
  
     Note: In these lines after out may be understood, ``of the
           harbor,'' ``from the shore,'' ``of sight,'' or some
           similar phrase. The complete construction is seen in
           the saying: ``Out of the frying pan into the fire.''
  
     Out from, a construction similar to out of (below). See
        Of and From.
  
     Out of, a phrase which may be considered either as composed
        of an adverb and a preposition, each having its
        appropriate office in the sentence, or as a compound
        preposition. Considered as a preposition, it denotes, with
        verbs of movement or action, from the interior of; beyond
        the limit: from; hence, origin, source, motive, departure,
        separation, loss, etc.; -- opposed to in or into; also
        with verbs of being, the state of being derived, removed,
        or separated from. Examples may be found in the phrases
        below, and also under Vocabulary words; as, out of breath;
        out of countenance.
  
     Out of cess, beyond measure, excessively. --Shak.
  
     Out of character, unbecoming; improper.
  
     Out of conceit with, not pleased with. See under Conceit.
        
  
     Out of date, not timely; unfashionable; antiquated.
  
     Out of door, Out of doors, beyond the doors; from the
        house; in, or into, the open air; hence, figuratively,
        shut out; dismissed. See under Door, also,
        Out-of-door, Outdoor, Outdoors, in the Vocabulary.
        ``He 's quality, and the question's out of door,''
        --Dryden.
  
     Out of favor, disliked; under displeasure.
  
     Out of frame, not in correct order or condition; irregular;
        disarranged. --Latimer.
  
     Out of hand, immediately; without delay or preparation.
        ``Ananias . . . fell down and died out of hand.''
        --Latimer.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) :   [ web1913 ]

  Hand \Hand\, n. [AS. hand, hond; akin to D., G., & Sw. hand,
     OHG. hant, Dan. haand, Icel. h["o]nd, Goth. handus, and perh.
     to Goth. hinpan to seize (in comp.). Cf. Hunt.]
     1. That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in
        man and monkeys, and the corresponding part in many other
        animals; manus; paw. See Manus.
  
     2. That which resembles, or to some extent performs the
        office of, a human hand; as:
        (a) A limb of certain animals, as the foot of a hawk, or
            any one of the four extremities of a monkey.
        (b) An index or pointer on a dial; as, the hour or minute
            hand of a clock.
  
     3. A measure equal to a hand's breadth, -- four inches; a
        palm. Chiefly used in measuring the height of horses.
  
     4. Side; part; direction, either right or left.
  
              On this hand and that hand, were hangings. --Ex.
                                                    xxxviii. 15.
  
              The Protestants were then on the winning hand.
                                                    --Milton.
  
     5. Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill;
        dexterity.
  
              He had a great mind to try his hand at a Spectator.
                                                    --Addison.
  
     6. Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence,
        manner of performance.
  
              To change the hand in carrying on the war.
                                                    --Clarendon.
  
              Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my
              hand.                                 --Judges vi.
                                                    36.
  
     7. An agent; a servant, or laborer; a workman, trained or
        competent for special service or duty; a performer more or
        less skillful; as, a deck hand; a farm hand; an old hand
        at speaking.
  
              A dictionary containing a natural history requires
              too many hands, as well as too much time, ever to be
              hoped for.                            --Locke.
  
              I was always reckoned a lively hand at a simile.
                                                    --Hazlitt.
  
     8. Handwriting; style of penmanship; as, a good, bad or
        running hand. Hence, a signature.
  
              I say she never did invent this letter; This is a
              man's invention and his hand.         --Shak.
  
              Some writs require a judge's hand.    --Burril.
  
     9. Personal possession; ownership; hence, control; direction;
        management; -- usually in the plural. ``Receiving in hand
        one year's tribute.'' --Knolles.
  
              Albinus . . . found means to keep in his hands the
              goverment of Britain.                 --Milton.
  
     10. Agency in transmission from one person to another; as, to
         buy at first hand, that is, from the producer, or when
         new; at second hand, that is, when no longer in the
         producer's hand, or when not new.
  
     11. Rate; price. [Obs.] ``Business is bought at a dear hand,
         where there is small dispatch.'' --Bacon.
  
     12. That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once; as:
         (a) (Card Playing) The quota of cards received from the
             dealer.
         (b) (Tobacco Manuf.) A bundle of tobacco leaves tied
             together.
  
     13. (Firearms) The small part of a gunstock near the lock,
         which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
  
     Note: Hand is used figuratively for a large variety of acts
           or things, in the doing, or making, or use of which the
           hand is in some way employed or concerned; also, as a
           symbol to denote various qualities or conditions, as:
         (a) Activity; operation; work; -- in distinction from the
             head, which implies thought, and the heart, which
             implies affection. ``His hand will be against every
             man.'' --Gen. xvi. 12.
         (b) Power; might; supremacy; -- often in the Scriptures.
             ``With a mighty hand . . . will I rule over you.''
             --Ezek. xx. 33.
         (c) Fraternal feeling; as, to give, or take, the hand; to
             give the right hand.
         (d) Contract; -- commonly of marriage; as, to ask the
             hand; to pledge the hand.
  
     Note: Hand is often used adjectively or in compounds (with or
           without the hyphen), signifying performed by the hand;
           as, hand blow or hand-blow, hand gripe or hand-gripe:
           used by, or designed for, the hand; as, hand ball or
           handball, hand bow, hand fetter, hand grenade or
           hand-grenade, handgun or hand gun, handloom or hand
           loom, handmill or hand organ or handorgan, handsaw or
           hand saw, hand-weapon: measured or regulated by the
           hand; as, handbreadth or hand's breadth, hand gallop or
           hand-gallop. Most of the words in the following
           paragraph are written either as two words or in
           combination.
  
     Hand bag, a satchel; a small bag for carrying books,
        papers, parcels, etc.
  
     Hand basket, a small or portable basket.
  
     Hand bell, a small bell rung by the hand; a table bell.
        --Bacon.
  
     Hand bill, a small pruning hook. See 4th Bill.
  
     Hand car. See under Car.
  
     Hand director (Mus.), an instrument to aid in forming a
        good position of the hands and arms when playing on the
        piano; a hand guide.
  
     Hand drop. See Wrist drop.
  
     Hand gallop. See under Gallop.
  
     Hand gear (Mach.), apparatus by means of which a machine,
        or parts of a machine, usually operated by other power,
        may be operated by hand.
  
     Hand glass.
         (a) A glass or small glazed frame, for the protection of
             plants.
         (b) A small mirror with a handle.
  
     Hand guide. Same as Hand director (above).
  
     Hand language, the art of conversing by the hands, esp. as
        practiced by the deaf and dumb; dactylology.
  
     Hand lathe. See under Lathe.
  
     Hand money, money paid in hand to bind a contract; earnest
        money.
  
     Hand organ (Mus.), a barrel organ, operated by a crank
        turned by hand.
  
     Hand plant. (Bot.) Same as Hand tree (below). -- Hand
        rail, a rail, as in staircases, to hold by. --Gwilt.
  
     Hand sail, a sail managed by the hand. --Sir W. Temple.
  
     Hand screen, a small screen to be held in the hand.
  
     Hand screw, a small jack for raising heavy timbers or
        weights; (Carp.) a screw clamp.
  
     Hand staff (pl. Hand staves), a javelin. --Ezek. xxxix.
        9.
  
     Hand stamp, a small stamp for dating, addressing, or
        canceling papers, envelopes, etc.
  
     Hand tree (Bot.), a lofty tree found in Mexico
        ({Cheirostemon platanoides), having red flowers whose
        stamens unite in the form of a hand.
  
     Hand vise, a small vise held in the hand in doing small
        work. --Moxon.
  
     Hand work, or Handwork, work done with the hands, as
        distinguished from work done by a machine; handiwork.
  
     All hands, everybody; all parties.
  
     At all hands, On all hands, on all sides; from every
        direction; generally.
  
     At any hand, At no hand, in any (or no) way or direction;
        on any account; on no account. ``And therefore at no hand
        consisting with the safety and interests of humility.''
        --Jer. Taylor.
  
     At first hand, At second hand. See def. 10 (above).
  
     At hand.
         (a) Near in time or place; either present and within
             reach, or not far distant. ``Your husband is at hand;
             I hear his trumpet.'' --Shak.
         (b) Under the hand or bridle. [Obs.] ``Horses hot at
             hand.'' --Shak.
  
     At the hand of, by the act of; as a gift from. ``Shall we
        receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive
        evil?'' --Job ii. 10.
  
     Bridle hand. See under Bridle.
  
     By hand, with the hands, in distinction from
        instrumentality of tools, engines, or animals; as, to weed
        a garden by hand; to lift, draw, or carry by hand.
  
     Clean hands, freedom from guilt, esp. from the guilt of
        dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe taking. ``He that
        hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.'' --Job
        xvii. 9.
  
     From hand to hand, from one person to another.
  
     Hand in hand.
         (a) In union; conjointly; unitedly. --Swift.
         (b) Just; fair; equitable.
  
                   As fair and as good, a kind of hand in hand
                   comparison.                      --Shak.
             
  
     Hand over hand, Hand over fist, by passing the hands
        alternately one before or above another; as, to climb hand
        over hand; also, rapidly; as, to come up with a chase hand
        over hand.
  
     Hand over head, negligently; rashly; without seeing what
        one does. [Obs.] --Bacon.
  
     Hand running, consecutively; as, he won ten times hand
        running.
  
     Hand off! keep off! forbear! no interference or meddling!
        
  
     Hand to hand, in close union; in close fight; as, a hand to
        hand contest. --Dryden.
  
     Heavy hand, severity or oppression.
  
     In hand.
         (a) Paid down. ``A considerable reward in hand, and . . .
             a far greater reward hereafter.'' --Tillotson.
         (b) In preparation; taking place. --Chaucer. ``Revels . .
             . in hand.'' --Shak.
         (c) Under consideration, or in the course of transaction;
             as, he has the business in hand.
  
     In one's hand or hands.
         (a) In one's possession or keeping.
         (b) At one's risk, or peril; as, I took my life in my
             hand.
  
     Laying on of hands, a form used in consecrating to office,
        in the rite of confirmation, and in blessing persons.
  
     Light hand, gentleness; moderation.
  
     Note of hand, a promissory note.
  
     Off hand, Out of hand, forthwith; without delay,
        hesitation, or difficulty; promptly. ``She causeth them to
        be hanged up out of hand.'' --Spenser.
  
     Off one's hands, out of one's possession or care.
  
     On hand, in present possession; as, he has a supply of
        goods on hand.
  
     On one's hands, in one's possession care, or management.
  
     Putting the hand under the thigh, an ancient Jewish
        ceremony used in swearing.
  
     Right hand, the place of honor, power, and strength.
  
     Slack hand, idleness; carelessness; inefficiency; sloth.
  
     Strict hand, severe discipline; rigorous government.
  
     To bear a hand
         (Naut), to give help quickly; to hasten.
  
     To bear in hand, to keep in expectation with false
        pretenses. [Obs.] --Shak.
  
     To be hand and glove, or in glove with. See under
        Glove.
  
     To be on the mending hand, to be convalescent or improving.
        
  
     To bring up by hand, to feed (an infant) without suckling
        it.
  
     To change hand. See Change.
  
     To change hands, to change sides, or change owners.
        --Hudibras.
  
     To clap the hands, to express joy or applause, as by
        striking the palms of the hands together.
  
     To come to hand, to be received; to be taken into
        possession; as, the letter came to hand yesterday.
  
     To get hand, to gain influence. [Obs.]
  
              Appetites have . . . got such a hand over them.
                                                    --Baxter.
  
     To got one's hand in, to make a beginning in a certain
        work; to become accustomed to a particular business.
  
     To have a hand in, to be concerned in; to have a part or
        concern in doing; to have an agency or be employed in.
  
     To have in hand.
         (a) To have in one's power or control. --Chaucer.
         (b) To be engaged upon or occupied with.
  
     To have one's hands full, to have in hand al that one can
        do, or more than can be done conveniently; to be pressed
        with labor or engagements; to be surrounded with
        difficulties.
  
     To have, or get, the (higher) upper hand, to have, or
        get, the better of another person or thing.
  
     To his hand, To my hand, etc., in readiness; already
        prepared. ``The work is made to his hands.'' --Locke.
  
     To hold hand, to compete successfully or on even
        conditions. [Obs.] --Shak.
  
     To lay hands on, to seize; to assault.
  
     To lend a hand, to give assistance.
  
     To lift, or put forth, the hand against, to attack; to
        oppose; to kill.
  
     To live from hand to mouth, to obtain food and other
        necessaries as want compels, without previous provision.
        
  
     To make one's hand, to gain advantage or profit.
  
     To put the hand unto, to steal. --Ex. xxii. 8.
  
     To put the
  
     last, or finishing,
  
     hand to, to make the last corrections in; to complete; to
        perfect.
  
     To set the hand to, to engage in; to undertake.
  
              That the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that
              thou settest thine hand to.           --Deut. xxiii.
                                                    20.
  
     To stand one in hand, to concern or affect one.
  
     To strike hands, to make a contract, or to become surety
        for another's debt or good behavior.
  
     To take in hand.
         (a) To attempt or undertake.
         (b) To seize and deal with; as, he took him in hand.
  
     To wash the hands of, to disclaim or renounce interest in,
        or responsibility for, a person or action; as, to wash
        one's hands of a business. --Matt. xxvii. 24.
  
     Under the hand of, authenticated by the handwriting or
        signature of; as, the deed is executed under the hand and
        seal of the owner.

From WordNet (r) 2.0 :   [ wn ]

  out of hand
       adv : out of control; "the riots got out of hand" [syn: beyond
             control] [ant: in hand]

From English Wiktionary: All languages (2023-07-27) :   [ dictinfo.com:wikt-en-ALL-2023-07-27 ]

  out of hand
     a.
     Not under control.
     adv.
     1 Without (further) thought or consideration.
     2 (lb en now rare) immediately, forthwith, or incontinently.<ref
  name="Rider1640">John Rider. Dictionarie, Corrected and
  Augmented with the Addition of Many Hundred Words (etc.) Now Newly Corr.
  and Much Augm. by Francis Holy-Oke
  [https://books.google.com/books?id=vdVMAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP240 ] 1640 pub.
  Waterstone </ref>

From English Wiktionary: English language only (2023-07-27) :   [ dictinfo.com:wikt-en-en-2023-07-27 ]

  out of hand
     a.
     Not under control.
     adv.
     1 Without (further) thought or consideration.
     2 (lb en now rare) immediately, forthwith, or incontinently.<ref
  name="Rider1640">John Rider. Dictionarie, Corrected and
  Augmented with the Addition of Many Hundred Words (etc.) Now Newly Corr.
  and Much Augm. by Francis Holy-Oke
  [https://books.google.com/books?id=vdVMAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP240 ] 1640 pub.
  Waterstone </ref>

From English Wiktionary: Western, Greek, and Slavonic languages only (2023-07-27) :   [ dictinfo.com:wikt-en-Western_Greek_Slavonic-2023-07-27 ]

  out of hand
     a.
     Not under control.
     adv.
     1 Without (further) thought or consideration.
     2 (lb en now rare) immediately, forthwith, or incontinently.<ref
  name="Rider1640">John Rider. Dictionarie, Corrected and
  Augmented with the Addition of Many Hundred Words (etc.) Now Newly Corr.
  and Much Augm. by Francis Holy-Oke
  [https://books.google.com/books?id=vdVMAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP240 ] 1640 pub.
  Waterstone </ref>

From English Wiktionary: Western languages only (2023-07-27) :   [ dictinfo.com:wikt-en-Western-2023-07-27 ]

  out of hand
     a.
     Not under control.
     adv.
     1 Without (further) thought or consideration.
     2 (lb en now rare) immediately, forthwith, or incontinently.<ref
  name="Rider1640">John Rider. Dictionarie, Corrected and
  Augmented with the Addition of Many Hundred Words (etc.) Now Newly Corr.
  and Much Augm. by Francis Holy-Oke
  [https://books.google.com/books?id=vdVMAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP240 ] 1640 pub.
  Waterstone </ref>

From Finnish Wiktionary: All languages (2023-07-27) :   [ dictinfo.com:wikt-fi-ALL-2023-07-27 ]

  out of hand
     Englanti a.
     ei hallinnassa

From English-Czech dicts.info/FreeDict Dictionary ver. 0.1.3 :   [ freedict:eng-ces ]

  out of hand /ˌaʊtəv hˈand/
  přímo z ruky

From English - Modern Greek XDXF/FreeDict dictionary ver. 0.1.1 :   [ freedict:eng-ell ]

  out of hand /ˌaʊtəv hˈand/
  
  εκτός ελέγχου

From English-Hungarian FreeDict Dictionary ver. 0.2.1 :   [ freedict:eng-hun ]

  out of hand /ˌaʊtəv hˈand/
  1. azonnal
  2. kézpénzben

From English-Svenska FreeDict+WikDict dictionary ver. 2023.05.29 :   [ freedict:eng-swe ]

  out of hand /ˌaʊtəv hˈand/ 
  urartad, urspårad
  not under control, out of control

From Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 :   [ moby-thesaurus ]

  75 Moby Thesaurus words for "out of hand":
     abandoned, ad lib, at short notice, at sight, beyond control,
     breachy, by ear, contumacious, defiant, extemporaneously,
     extemporarily, extempore, fractious, go-go, immoderate, impromptu,
     incontinent, incorrigible, indocile, indomitable, indulgent,
     insuppressible, intemperate, intractable, irrepressible, lax,
     licentious, loose, nonrestrictive, obstreperous, off the cuff,
     off the hip, offhand, on sight, out of control, permissive,
     rampant, recalcitrant, refractory, reinless, resistant, resisting,
     restive, riotous, shrewish, unbiddable, unbridled, unchecked,
     uncoerced, uncompelled, unconstrained, uncontrollable,
     uncontrolled, uncurbed, unforced, ungovernable, ungoverned,
     uninhibited, unmalleable, unmanageable, unmastered, unmeasured,
     unmoldable, unmuzzled, unreined, unrepressed, unreserved,
     unrestrained, unrestrictive, unruly, unsubdued, unsubmissive,
     unsuppressed, wanton, wild
  
  

From XDICT the English-Chinese dictionary :   [ xdict ]

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