backhand

back•hand

[[t]ˈbækˌhænd[/t]] n.

1) a stroke, slap, etc., made with the back of the hand turned forward

2) spo (in tennis, squash, etc.) a stroke made with the back of the hand facing the direction of movement

3) handwriting that slopes toward the left

4) backhanded

5) spo (in tennis, squash, etc.) of, pertaining to, or being a stroke made with the back of the hand facing the direction of movement

Compare forehand 1)

6) with the back of the hand

7) backhanded:

She returned the ball backhand[/ex]

8) to strike with the back of the hand

9) to hit, produce, or accomplish with a backhand

10) to catch (a ball or the like) backhanded

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Etymology: 1650–60