manipulation

n. [ Cf. F. manipulation. ] 1. The act or process of manipulating, or the state of being manipulated; the act of handling work by hand; use of the hands, in an artistic or skillful manner, in science or art. [ 1913 Webster ]

Manipulation is to the chemist like the external senses to the mind. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The use of the hands in mesmeric operations. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Artful management; as, the manipulation of political bodies; sometimes, a management or treatment for purposes of deception or fraud. [ 1913 Webster ]