Handycuff

/ˈhændikʌf/ noun

Definition

A restraint, cuff, or bracelet worn around the hand or wrist, either for practical or ceremonial purposes.

Etymology

Compound of 'handy' (relating to the hand) and 'cuff' (from Middle Dutch 'coffe'), though 'handcuff' is the standard spelling.

Kelly Says

We use 'handcuff' (not 'handycuff'), but this variant shows how -y was once used to form adjectives meaning 'pertaining to'—like 'mossy' (full of moss) or 'bloody' (full of blood), so 'handycuff' would mean 'of or relating to hands.'

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