Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Handy
Hand′y
(hănd′y̆)
, Adj.
[
Com
par.
Handier
(-ĭ-ẽr)
; sup
erl.
Handiest
.] [OE.
hendi
, AS. hendig
(in comp.), fr. hand
hand; akin to D. handig
, Goth. handugs
clever, wise.] 1.
Performed by the hand.
[Obs.]
To draw up and come to
handy
strokes. Milton.
2.
Skillful in using the hand; dexterous; ready; adroit.
“Each is handy in his way.” Dryden.
3.
Ready to the hand; near; also, suited to the use of the hand; convenient; valuable for reference or use;
as, my tools are
handy
; a handy
volume.4.
(Naut.)
Easily managed; obedient to the helm; – said of a vessel.
Webster 1828 Edition
Handy
HAND'Y
, a.1.
Performed by the hand. They came to handy blows.
2.
Dexterous; ready; adroit; skilled to use the hands with ease in performance; applied to persons. He is handy with the saw or the place. Each is handy in his way.3.
Ingenious; performing with skill and readiness.4.
Ready to the hand; near. My books are very handy.5.
Convenient; suited to the use of the hand.6.
Near; that may be used without difficulty or going to a distance. We have a spring or pasture that is handy.