hands

The part of the forelimb below the forearm or wrist in a human, and the corresponding part in many other animals.

“Her hands are really strong.”

That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand.

In linear measurement:

A side; part, camp; direction, either right or left.

Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity.

An agent; a servant, or manual laborer, especially in compounds; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty; a performer more or less skillful.

“an old hand at speaking;  large farms need many farm hands”

An instance of helping.

“Bob gave Alice a hand to move the furniture.”

Handwriting; style of penmanship.

“a good hand”

A person's autograph or signature.

“Given under my Hand and Seal of the State this 1st Day of January, 2010.”

Personal possession; ownership.

(usually in the plural, hands) Management, domain, control.

“in safe hands;  in good hands;  He lost his job when the factory changed hands.  With the business back in the founder's hands, there is new hope for the company.  With John in charge of the project, it's in good hands.”

That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once.

Applause.

“Give him a hand.”

A Native American gambling game, involving guessing the whereabouts of bits of ivory or similar, which are passed rapidly from hand to hand.

The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.

A whole rhizome of ginger.

The feel of a fabric; the impression or quality of the fabric as judged qualitatively by the sense of touch.

“This fabric has a smooth, soft hand.”

Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.

Agency in transmission from one person to another.

“to buy at first hand (from the producer, or when new);  to buy at second hand (when no longer in the producer’s hand, or when not new);  It's not a rumor. I heard it at first hand.”

Rate; price.

To give, pass, or transmit with the hand, literally or figuratively.

“He handed them the letter.   She handed responsibility over to her deputy.”

To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct.

“to hand a lady into a carriage”

To manage.

To seize; to lay hands on.

To pledge by the hand; to handfast.

(said of a sail) To furl.

To cooperate.