Handersome

/ˈhændɚsəm/ adjective

Definition

Archaic or dialect term meaning skillfully done by hand, or having qualities of skilled handwork; neat or well-made.

Etymology

From 'hand' combined with '-some' (a suffix meaning 'having qualities of'). This is an older English formation similar to 'handsome,' though 'handersome' never achieved the same lasting popularity.

Kelly Says

The word 'handsome' originally meant 'easy to handle' or 'convenient to the hand,' and 'handersome' tried to preserve that literal meaning, but 'handsome' evolved to mean attractive instead—language often loses its practical roots.

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