Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HAND'Y, a. [D. handig, behendig; Dan. hændig; from hand.]

1. Performed by the hand. They came to handy blows. [Obs.] – Knolles.
2. Dextrous; ready; adroit; skilled to use the hands with ease in performance; applied to persons. He is handy with the saw or the plane. Each is handy in his way. – Dryden.
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.