hand

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

• noun The terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping and holding and consisting of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and an opposable thumb.
• noun A homologous or similar part in other animals, as the terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates.
• noun A unit of length equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), used especially to specify the height of a horse.
• noun Something suggesting the shape or function of the human hand, especially.
• noun Any of the rotating pointers used as indexes on the face of a mechanical clock.
• noun A pointer, as on a gauge or dial.
• noun Lateral direction indicated according to the way in which one is facing.
• noun A style or individual sample of writing.
• noun A signature.
• noun A round of applause to signify approval.
• noun Physical assistance; help.
• noun Sports A hand ball in soccer.
• noun The cards held in a card game by a given player at any time.
• noun The number of cards dealt each player; the deal.
• noun A player or participant in a card game.
• noun A portion or section of a game during which all the cards dealt out are played.
• noun One who performs manual labor.
• noun One who is part of a group or crew.
• noun A participant in an activity, often one who specializes in a particular activity or pursuit.
• noun The degree of immediacy of a source of information; degree of reliability.
• noun The strength or force of one's position.
• noun Possession, ownership, or keeping.
• noun Power; jurisdiction; care.
• noun Involvement or participation.
• noun An influence or effect.
• noun Evidence of craft or artistic skill.
• noun An aptitude or ability.
• noun The aesthetic feel or tactile quality of something, such as a fabric, textile, or carpeting, that indicates its fineness, texture, and durability.
• noun A manner or way of performing something.
• noun Permission or a promise, especially a pledge to wed.
• noun A commitment or agreement, especially when sealed by a handshake; one's word.
• intransitive verb To give or pass with or as if with the hands; transmit.
• intransitive verb To aid, direct, or conduct with the hands.
• intransitive verb Nautical To roll up and secure (a sail); furl.
• intransitive verb To give (the ball) directly to a teammate, as in football. Often used with off.
• intransitive verb To carry, strike, or propel (the ball) with the hand or arm in violation of the rules in soccer.
• intransitive verb To make a handoff, as in football. Often used with off.