handle

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 ]