01 n. As much as the hand will grasp or contain.
pl.
handfuls ((hănd"fụlz))
-
1.
As much as the hand will grasp or contain.
-
2.
A hand's breadth; four inches.[Obs.]“Knap the tongs together about a handful from the bottom.” — Bacon.
-
3.
A small quantity or number.“This handful of men were tied to very hard duty.” — Fuller.
-
4.
A person, task, or situation, which is the most that one can manage; as, my two-year-old is a handful.“They had their handful to defend themselves from firing.” — Sir. W. Raleigh.
Phrases & compounds
To have one's handful —
to have one's hands full; to have all one can do.