Handle \Han"dle\ (h[a^]n"d'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Handled}
   (-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Handling} (-dl[i^]ng).] [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.
      
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            Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
                                                  --Luke xxiv.
                                                  39.
      
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            About his altar, handling holy things. --Milton.
      
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   2. To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield;
      often, to manage skillfully.
      
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            That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper.
                                                  --Shak.
      
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   3. To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of,
      with the hands.
      
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            The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to
            house and handle their colts six months every year.
                                                  --Sir W.
                                                  Temple.
      
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   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.
      
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   5. To deal with; to make a business of.
      
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            They that handle the law knew me not. --Jer. ii. 8.
      
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   6. To treat; to use, well or ill.
      
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            How wert thou handled being prisoner? --Shak.
      
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   7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
      
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            You shall see how I will handle her.  --Shak.
      
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   8. To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a
      theme, an argument, or an objection.
      
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            We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
                                                  --Bacon.
      
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   {To handle without gloves}. See under {Glove}. [Colloq.]
      
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Handle \Han"dle\ (h[a^]n"d'l), v. i.
   To use the hands.
   
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         They have hands, but they handle not.    --Ps. cxv. 7.
   
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Handle \Han"dle\, 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.
      
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   2. That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a
      purpose; a tool. --South.
      
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   {To give a handle}, to furnish an occasion or means.
      
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