v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Handled p. pr. & vb. n. Handling ] [ OE. handlen, AS. handlian; akin to D. handelen to trade, G. handeln. See Hand. ] 1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand. [ 1913 Webster ]

Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh. Luke xxiv. 39. [ 1913 Webster ]

About his altar, handling holy things. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully. [ 1913 Webster ]

That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands. [ 1913 Webster ]

The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year. Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To deal with; to make a business of. [ 1913 Webster ]

They that handle the law knew me not. Jer. ii. 8. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. To treat; to use, well or ill. [ 1913 Webster ]

How wert thou handled being prisoner? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon. [ 1913 Webster ]

You shall see how I will handle her. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection. [ 1913 Webster ]

We will handle what persons are apt to envy others. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

To handle without gloves. See under Glove. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To use the hands. [ 1913 Webster ]

They have hands, but they handle not. Ps. cxv. 7. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ AS. handle. See Hand. ] 1. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

To give a handle, to furnish an occasion or means. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being handled. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The curved bar connected by a shaft to the front wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle, positioned nearly horizontally in front of the rider's seat, designed to be gripped by the rider while riding, and used to steer the vehicle. Usually used in the plural; as, don't let go of the handlbars. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

adj. fitted with or having having a handle; as, a handled magnifying glass is easier to use. Opposite of handleless. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adj. having no handle; as, sleek cabinets with apparently handleless doors. Opposite of handled. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. one who trains or exhibits animals.
Syn. -- animal trainer. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. someone in charge of training an athlete (especially a boxer) or a team. The term is used sometimes sarcastically of political consultants: “the president's handlers”.
Syn. -- coach, manager. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

a. Without a hand. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]