Not holding any weapons or tools; defenseless or without equipment.
From 'bare' (uncovered, empty) and 'handed' (carrying in one's hands). Used since medieval times to describe someone without armor, weapons, or defensive gear.
Fighting barehanded was considered both desperate and honorable—desperate because you had no weapons, honorable because you were willing to rely only on your own skill and courage.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.