Handsomer

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Handsome \Hand"some\ (h[a^]n"s[u^]m; 277), a. [Compar.
     {Handsomer} (-[~e]r); superl. {Handsomest}.] [Hand + -some.
     It at first meant, dexterous; cf. D. handzaam dexterous,
     ready, limber, manageable, and E. handy.]
     1. Dexterous; skillful; handy; ready; convenient; -- applied
        to things as persons. [Obs.]


        [1913 Webster]
  
              That they [engines of war] be both easy to be
              carried and handsome to be moved and turned about.
                                                    --Robynson
                                                    (Utopia).
        [1913 Webster]
  
              For a thief it is so handsome as it may seem it was
              first invented for him.               --Spenser.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Agreeable to the eye or to correct taste; having a
        pleasing appearance or expression; attractive; having
        symmetry and dignity; comely; -- expressing more than
        pretty, and less than beautiful; as, a handsome man or
        woman; a handsome garment, house, tree, horse.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease;
        graceful; becoming; appropriate; as, a handsome style,
        etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Easiness and handsome address in writing. --Felton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. Evincing a becoming generosity or nobleness of character;
        liberal; generous.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Handsome is as handsome does.         --Old Proverb.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. Ample; moderately large.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              He . . . accumulated a handsome sum of money. --V.
                                                    Knox.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {To do the handsome thing}, to act liberally. [Colloq.]
  
     Syn: {Handsome}, {Pretty}.
  
     Usage: Pretty applies to things comparatively small, which
            please by their delicacy and grace; as, a pretty girl,
            a pretty flower, a pretty cottage. Handsome rises
            higher, and is applied to objects on a larger scale.
            We admire what is handsome, we are pleased with what
            is pretty. The word is connected with hand, and has
            thus acquired the idea of training, cultivation,
            symmetry, and proportion, which enters so largely into
            our conception of handsome. Thus Drayton makes mention
            of handsome players, meaning those who are well
            trained; and hence we speak of a man's having a
            handsome address, which is the result of culture; of a
            handsome horse or dog, which implies well proportioned
            limbs; of a handsome face, to which, among other
            qualities, the idea of proportion and a graceful
            contour are essential; of a handsome tree, and a
            handsome house or villa. So, from this idea of
            proportion or suitableness, we have, with a different
            application, the expressions, a handsome fortune, a
            handsome offer.
            [1913 Webster]