Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HAND'FUL, n.

1. As much as the hand will grasp or contain. – Addison.
2. As much as the arms will embrace.
3. A palm; four inches. [Obs.] – Bacon.
4. A small quantity or number. A handful of men. – Clarendon.
5. As much as can be done; full employment. – Ralegh. In America, the phrase is, he has his hands full.