handful etymology

Etymology:

The word "handful" is derived from Old English "handfull," which is a compound of:

• hand (noun): the end part of the arm below the wrist
• full (adjective): containing as much as can be held or accommodated

Meaning:

A handful is a small quantity of something that can be held in the hand. It can also refer to a small group or amount of people or things.

Origin:

The term "handful" first appeared in English around the 12th century. It evolved from the Old English concept of using the hand as a unit of measurement. People would often determine the amount of something by grasping it in their hand.

Over time, the term "handful" took on a more metaphorical meaning. It came to be used to describe a small quantity of something that was easily manageable or handled.

handful relate terms

• hand

  Etymology The word hand comes from the Old English word hand which is itself derive

• full

  Etymology Sanskrit pratipaksha prati against paksha side Meaning Opponen

• manipulation

  Etymology The word manipulation originates from the Latin word manipulus which means

• dram

  Etymology Origin Ancient Greek drama Meaning A literary composition designed to b

• sheaf

  Etymology The word sheaf comes from the Old English word sceaf which is likely deri

• drachma

  Etymology The word drachma originates from the Greek word drakme δραχμή whi

• bushel

  Etymology The word bushel comes from the Old French word buissel which means a smal

• torch

  Etymology The word torch has its origins in the Old French word torche which itself

• pugilist

  Etymology The word pugilist originates from the Latin word pugil meaning a boxer

• have

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words including their form and me

• full

  Etymology Sanskrit pratipaksha prati against paksha side Meaning Opponen

• rack

  Etymology Middle English rake from Old English racu meaning heap pile ridge Prot