A person who makes things by hand using skill and craftsmanship, like a carpenter, potter, or jeweler.
From 'handicraft' (combining 'hand' and 'craft') plus 'man.' The word 'handicraft' originally meant manual work requiring skill, evolving from Old English 'hand' and craft meaning 'strength' or 'power,' eventually becoming any skilled hand-made work.
Before factories existed, 'handicraftsmen' were celebrities—people traveled far to commission a specific artisan's work because their hands could do what machines couldn't. That's why high-quality handmade goods are still called 'craftsmanship' and cost more today.
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