Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HAND'LE, v.t. [G. handeln, D. handelen, Sw. handla, Dan. handler, to treat, to trade, to negotiate. But in English it has not the latter signification. The word is formed from hand, as manage from L. manus.]

1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand. The bodies we daily handle – hinder the approach if part of our hands that press them. – Locke.
2. To manage; to use; to wield. That fellow handles a bow like a crow-keeper. – Shak.
3. To make familiar by frequent touching. The breeders in Flanders – handle their colts six months every year. – Temple.
4. To treat; to discourse on; to discuss; to use or manage in writing or speaking. The author handled the subject with address. The speaker handled the arguments to the best advantage.
5. To use; to deal with; to practice. They that handle the law knew me not. – Jer. ii.
6. To treat; to use well or ill. How wert thou handled? – Shak.
7. To manage; to practice on; to transact with. You shall see how I will handle her. – Shak.