Chapter 708

Syn. -- Handsome , Pretty . Pretty applies to things comparatively small, which please by their delicacy and grace; as, a pretty girl, a pretty flower, a pretty cottage. Handsome rises higher, and is applied to objects on a larger scale. We admire what is handsome , we are pleased with what is pretty . The word is connected with hand , and has thus acquired the idea of training, cultivation, symmetry, and proportion, which enters so largely into our conception of handsome . Thus Drayton makes mention of handsome players, meaning those, who are well trained; and hence we speak of a man's having a handsome address, which is the result of culture; of a handsome horse or dog, which implies well proportioned limbs; of a handsome face, to which, among other qualities, the idea of proportion and a graceful contour are essential; of a handsome tree, and a handsome house or villa. So, from this idea of proportion or suitableness, we have, with a different application, the expressions, a handsome fortune, a handsome offer.

Hadsome <Xpage=668>

Had"some , v. t. To render handsome. [Obs.]

Donne

Handsomely <Xpage=668>

Hand"some*ly , adv. 1. In a handsome manner.

2. (Naut.) Carefully; in shipshape style.

Handsomeness <Xpage=668>

Hand"some*ness , n. The quality of being handsome.

Handsomeness is the mere animal excellence, beauty the mere imaginative. Hare.

Handspike <Xpage=668>

Hand"spike` (?) , n. A bar or lever, generally of wood, used in a windlass or capstan, for heaving anchor, and, in modified forms, for various purposes.

Handspring <Xpage=668>

Hand"spring` (?) , n. A somersault made with the assistance of the hands placed upon the ground.

Hand-tight <Xpage=668>

Hand"-tight` (?) , a. (Naut.) As tight as can be made by the hand.

Totten.

Handwheel <Xpage=668>

Hand"wheel` (?) , n. (Mach.) Any wheel worked by hand; esp., one the rim of which serves as the handle by which a valve, car brake, or other part is adjusted.

Hand-winged <Xpage=668>

Hand"-winged` (?) , a. (Zo\'94l.) Having wings that are like hands in the structure and arrangement of their bones; -- said of bats. See Cheiroptera .

Handwriting <Xpage=668>

Hand"writ`ing (?) , n. 1. The cast or form of writing peculiar to each hand or person; chirography.

2. That which is written by hand; manuscript.

The handwriting on the wall , a doom pronounced; an omen of disaster.

Dan. v. 5.

Handy <Xpage=668>

Hand"y (?) , a. [ Compar. Handier (?) ; superl. 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.

Handyy-dandy <Xpage=668>

Handy"y-dan`dy (?) , n. A child's play, one child guessing in which closed hand the other holds some small object, winning the object if right and forfeiting an equivalent if wrong; hence, forfeit.

Piers Plowman.

Handyfight <Xpage=668>

Hand"y*fight` (?) , n. A fight with the hands; boxing. "Pollux loves handyfights ."

B. Jonson.

Handygripe <Xpage=668>

Hand"y*gripe` (?) , n. Seizure by, or grasp of, the hand; also, close quarters in fighting.

Hudibras.

Handystroke <Xpage=668>

Hand"y*stroke` (?) , n. A blow with the hand.

Hand-work <Xpage=668>

Hand"-work` (?) , n. See Handiwork .

Hang <Xpage=668>

Hang (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Hanged (h?ngd) &or; Hung (<?/) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Hanging . The use of hanged is preferable to that of hung , when reference is had to death or execution by suspension, and it is also more common .] [OE. hangen , hangien , v. t. & i. , AS. hangian , v. i. , fr. h<?/n , v. t. (imp. heng , p. p. hongen ); akin to OS. hang<?/n , v. i. D. hangen , v. t. & i. , G. hangen , v. i , h\'84ngen , v. t , Isel hanga , v. i. , Goth. h\'behan , v. t. (imp. ha\'a1hah ), h\'behan , v. i. (imp. hahaida ), and perh. to L. cunctari to delay. &root;37. ] 1. To suspend; to fasten to some elevated point without support from below; -- often used with up or out ; as, to hang a coat on a hook; to hang up a sign; to hang out a banner.

2. To fasten in a manner which will allow of free motion upon the point or points of suspension; -- said of a pendulum, a swing, a door, gate, etc.

3. To fit properly, as at a proper angle (a part of an implement that is swung in using), as a scythe to its snath, or an ax to its helve. [U. S.]

4. To put to death by suspending by the neck; -- a form of capital punishment; as, to hang a murderer .

5. To cover, decorate, or furnish by hanging pictures trophies, drapery, and the like, or by covering with paper hangings; -- said of a wall, a room, etc.

Hung be the heavens with black. Shak.

And hung thy holy roofs with savage spoils. Dryden.

6. To paste, as paper hangings, on the walls of a room.

7. To hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner or position instead of erect; to droop; as, he hung his head in shame .

Cowslips wan that hang the pensive head. Milton.

To hang down , to let fall below the proper position; to bend down; to decline; as, to hang down the head, or, elliptically, to hang the head. -- To hang fire (Mil.) , to be slow in communicating fire through the vent to the charge; as, the gun hangs fire ; hence, to hesitate, to hold back as if in suspense.

Hand <Xpage=668>

Hand , v. i. 1. To be suspended or fastened to some elevated point without support from below; to dangle; to float; to rest; to remain; to stay.

2. To be fastened in such a manner as to allow of free motion on the point or points of suspension.

3. To die or be put to death by suspension from the neck. [R.] "Sir Balaam hangs ."

Pope.

4. To hold for support; to depend; to cling; -- usually with on or upon ; as, this question hangs on a single point . "Two infants hanging on her neck."

Peacham.

5. To be, or be like, a suspended weight.

Life hangs upon me, and becomes a burden. Addison.

6. To hover; to impend; to appear threateningly; -- usually with over ; as, evils hang over the country .

7. To lean or incline; to incline downward.

To decide which way hung the victory. Milton.

His neck obliquely o'er his shoulder hung . Pope.

8. To slope down; as, hanging grounds .

9. To be undetermined or uncertain; to be in suspense; to linger; to be delayed.

A noble stroke he lifted high, Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fell On the proud crest of Satan. Milton.

To hang around , to loiter idly about. -- To hang back , to hesitate; to falter; to be reluctant. "If any one among you hangs back ." Jowett (Thucyd.) . -- To hang by the eyelids . (a) To hang by a very slight hold or tenure. (b) To be in an unfinished condition; to be left incomplete. -- To hang in doubt , to be in suspense. -- To hang on (with the emphasis on the preposition), to keep hold; to hold fast; to stick; to be persistent, as a disease. -- To hang on the lips , words, etc ., to be charmed by eloquence. -- To hang out . (a) To be hung out so as to be displayed; to project. (b) To be unyielding; as, the juryman hangs out against an agreement. [Colloq.] <-- =hold out?--> (c) to lounge around a particular place; as, teenageers tend to hang out at the mall these days--> -- To hang over . (a) To project at the top. (b) To impend over. -- To hang to , to cling. -- To hang together . (a) To remain united; to stand by one another. "We are all of a piece; we hang together ." Dryden . (b) To be self-consistent; as, the story does not hang together . [Colloq.] -- To hang upon . (a) To regard with passionate affection. (b) (Mil.) To hover around; as, to hang upon the flanks of a retreating enemy.

Hang <Xpage=668>

Hang , n. 1. The manner in which one part or thing hangs upon, or is connected with, another; as, the hang of a scythe .

2. Connection; arrangement; plan; as, the hang of a discourse . [Colloq.]

<page="669"> Page 669

3. A sharp or steep declivity or slope. [Colloq.]

To get the hang of , to learn the method or arrangement of; hence, to become accustomed to. [Colloq.]

Hangbird <Xpage=669>

Hang"bird` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l) The Baltimore oriole ( Icterus galbula ); -- so called because its nest is suspended from the limb of a tree. See Baltimore oriole .

Hang-by <Xpage=669>

Hang"-by` (?) , n. ; pl. Hang-bies (<?/) . A dependent; a hanger-on; -- so called in contempt.

B. Jonson.

Hagdog <Xpage=669>

Hag"dog` (?) , n. A base, degraded person; a sneak; a gallows bird.

Hangdog <Xpage=669>

Hang"dog` , Low; sneaking; ashamed.

The poor colonel went out of the room with a hangdog look. Thackeray.

Hanger <Xpage=669>

Hang"er (?) , n. 1. One who hangs, or causes to be hanged; a hangman.

2. That by which a thing is suspended . Especially: (a) A strap hung to the girdle, by which a dagger or sword is suspended . (b) (Mach.) A part that suspends a journal box in which shafting runs . See Illust . of Countershaft . (c) A bridle iron . <-- (d) clothes hanger -->

3. That which hangs or is suspended, as a sword worn at the side; especially, in the 18th century, a short, curved sword.

4. A steep, wooded declivity. [Eng.]

Gilbert White.

Hanger-on <Xpage=669>

Hang"er-on` (?) , n. ; pl. Hangers-on (<?/) . One who hangs on, or sticks to, a person, place, or service; a dependent; one who adheres to others' society longer than he is wanted.

Goldsmith.

Hanging <Xpage=669>

Hang"ing , a. 1. Requiring, deserving, or foreboding death by the halter. "What a hanging face!"

Dryden.

2. Suspended from above; pendent; as, hanging shelves .

3. Adapted for sustaining a hanging object; as, the hanging post of a gate, the post which holds the hinges .

Hanging compass , a compass suspended so that the card may be read from beneath. -- Hanging garden , a garden sustained at an artificial elevation by any means, as by the terraces at Babylon. -- Hanging indentation . See under Indentation . -- Hanging rail (Arch.) , that rail of a door or casement to which hinges are attached. -- Hanging side (Mining) , the overhanging side of an inclined or hading vein. -- Hanging sleeves . (a) Strips of the same stuff as the gown, hanging down the back from the shoulders. (b) Loose, flowing sleeves. -- Hanging stile . (Arch.) (a) That stile of a door to which hinges are secured. (b) That upright of a window frame to which casements are hinged, or in which the pulleys for sash windows are fastened. -- Hanging wall (Mining) , the upper wall of inclined vein, or that which hangs over the miner's head when working in the vein.

Hanging <Xpage=669>

Hang"ing , n. 1. The act of suspending anything; the state of being suspended.

2. Death by suspension; execution by a halter.

3. That which is hung as lining or drapery for the walls of a room, as tapestry, paper, etc., or to cover or drape a door or window; -- used chiefly in the plural.

Nor purple hangings clothe the palace walls. Dryden.

Hangman <Xpage=669>

Hang"man (?) , n. ; pl. Hangmen (<?/). One who hangs another; esp., one who makes a business of hanging; a public executioner; -- sometimes used as a term of reproach, without reference to office.

Shak.

Hangmanship <Xpage=669>

Hang"man*ship , n.. The office or character of a hangman.

Hangnail <Xpage=669>

Hang"nail` (?) , n. [A corruption of agnail .] A small piece or silver of skin which hangs loose, near the root of finger nail.

Holloway.

Hangnest <Xpage=669>

Hang"nest` (?) , n. 1. A nest that hangs like a bag or pocket.

2. A bird which builds such a nest; a hangbird.

Hank <Xpage=669>

Hank (?) , n. [Cf. Dan. hank handle, Sw. hank a band or tie, Icel. hanki hasp, clasp, h\'94nk , hangr , hank, coil, skein, G. henkel , henk , handle; ar prob. akin to E. hang . See Hang .] 1. A parcel consisting of two or more skeins of yarn or thread tied together.

2. A rope or withe for fastening a gate. [Prov. Eng.]

3. Hold; influence.

When the devil hath got such a hank over him. Bp. Sanderson.

4. (Naut.) A ring or eye of rope, wood, or iron, attached to the edge of a sail and running on a stay.

Hank <Xpage=669>

Hank , v. t. 1. [OE. hanken .] To fasten with a rope, as a gate. [Prov. Eng.]

Wright.

2. To form into hanks.

Hanker <Xpage=669>

Han"ker (?) , v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Hankered (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Hankering .] [Prob. fr. hang ; cf. D. hunkeren , hengelen .] 1. To long (for) with a keen appetite and uneasiness; to have a vehement desire; -- usually with for or after ; as, to hanker after fruit; to hanker after the diversions of the town.

Addison.

He was hankering to join his friend. J. A. Symonds.

2. To linger in expectation or with desire.

Thackeray.

Hankeringly <Xpage=669>

Han"ker*ing*ly , adv. In a hankering manner.

Hankey-pankey <Xpage=669>

Han"key-pan"key (?) , n. [Cf. Hocus-pocus .] Professional cant; the chatter of conjurers to divert attention from their tricks; hence, jugglery. [Colloq.]

Hanoverian <Xpage=669>

Han`o*ve"ri*an (?) , a. Of or pertaining to Hanover or its people, or to the House of Hanover in England.

Hanoverian <Xpage=669>

Han`o*ve"ri*an , n. A native or naturalized inhabitant of Hanover; one of the House of Hanover.

Han sa <Xpage=669>

Han" sa (?) , n. See 2d Hanse .

Hansard <Xpage=669>

Han"sard (?) , n. An official report of proceedings in the British Parliament; -- so called from the name of the publishers.

Hansard <Xpage=669>

Han"sard , n. A merchant of one of the Hanse towns. See the Note under 2d Hanse .

Hanse <Xpage=669>

Hanse (?) , n. [Cf. F. anse handle, anse de panier surbased arch, flat arch, vault, and E. haunch hip.] (Arch.) That part of an elliptical or many-centered arch which has the shorter radius and immediately adjoins the impost.

Hanse <Xpage=669>

Hanse , n. [G. hanse , or F. hanse (from German), OHG. & Goth. hansa ; akin to AS. h<?/s band, troop.] An association; a league or confederacy.

Hanse towns (Hist.) , certain commercial cities in Germany which associated themselves for the protection and enlarging of their commerce. The confederacy, called also Hansa and Hanseatic league , held its first diet in 1260, and was maintained for nearly four hundred years. At one time the league comprised eighty-five cities. Its remnants, L\'81beck, Hamburg, and Bremen, are free cities , and are still frequently called Hanse towns .

Hanseatic <Xpage=669>

Han`se*at"ic (?) , a. Pertaining to the Hanse towns, or to their confederacy.

Hanseatic league . See under 2d Hanse .

Hansel <Xpage=669>

Han"sel (?) , n. & v. See Handsel .

Hanselines <Xpage=669>

Han"sel*ines (?) , n. A sort of breeches. [Obs..]

Chaucer.

Hansom, n., Hansom cab <Xpage=669>

Han"som (?) , n. , Han"som cab` (<?/) . [From the name of the inventor.] A light, low, two-wheeled covered carriage with the driver's seat elevated behind, the reins being passed over the top.

He hailed a cruising hansom . . . " 'Tis the gondola of London," said Lothair. Beaconsfield.

Han't <Xpage=669>

Han't (?) . A contraction of have not, or has not, used in illiterate speech. In the United States the commoner spelling is hain't .

Hanuman <Xpage=669>

Han"u*man (?) , n. See Hoonoomaun .

Hap <Xpage=669>

Hap (?) , v. t. [OE. happen .] To clothe; to wrap.

The surgeon happed her up carefully. Dr. J. Brown.

Hap <Xpage=669>

Hap , n. [Cf. Hap to clothe.] A cloak or plaid. [O. Eng. & Scot.]

Hap <Xpage=669>

Hap , n. [Icel. happ unexpected good luck. <?/<?/<?/.] That which happens or comes suddenly or unexpectedly; also, the manner of occurrence or taking place; chance; fortune; accident; casual event; fate; luck; lot.

Chaucer.

Whether art it was or heedless hap . Spenser.

Cursed be good haps , and cursed be they that build Their hopes on haps . Sir P. Sidney.

Loving goes by haps : Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps. Shak.

Hap <Xpage=669>

Hap , v. i. [OE. happen . See Hap chance, and cf. Happen .] To happen; to befall; to chance.

Chaucer.

Sends word of all that haps in Tyre. Shak.

Hap'penny <Xpage=669>

Hap'"pen*ny (?) , n. A half-penny.

Haphazard <Xpage=669>

Hap"haz`ard (?) , n. [ Hap + hazard .] Extra hazard; chance; accident; random.

We take our principles at haphazard , upon trust. Locke.

Hapless <Xpage=669>

Hap"less (?) , a. Without hap or luck; luckless; unfortunate; unlucky; unhappy; as, hapless youth; hapless maid.

Dryden.

Haplessly <Xpage=669>

Hap"less*ly , adv. In a hapless, unlucky manner.

Haplomi <Xpage=669>