nounthe part of the body at the end of each armUsageto shake handsto hold someone's hand when meeting to show you are pleased to meet them, or to show that an agreement has been reached ExampleThe two negotiating teams shook hands and sat down at the conference table.Usageto shake hands on a dealto shake hands to show that a deal has been agreedUsageby handusing the hands, not a machine ExampleThese shoes are made by hand.Usageto send a letter by handto ask someone to carry and deliver a letter personally, not sending it through the postUsagein handkept in reserve Examplewe have £10,000 in handUsagebalance in hand, cash in handcash held to pay small debts and running costsUsagework in handwork which is in progress but not finishedUsagegoods left on handunsold goods left with the retailer or manufacturer ExampleThey were left with half the stock on their hands.Usageto handhere or presentUsageI have the invoice to handI have the invoice in front of meUsageto change handsto be sold to a new owner ExampleThe shop changed hands for £100,000.Usagein witness whereof, I set my handI sign as a witness the part of the body at the end of each arm