A part of a thing by which it is to be held in order to use, move, or carry it; (hence) any part or object used in this way.

A handle of a weapon or tool, as an axe, chisel, hammer, etc.

A handle; esp. that of a cutting or piercing instrument, as a dagger, knife, sickle, etc.

The handle of a tool or utensil (e.g. a hammer, axe, pot, spoon).

More generally: the handle of any of various implements or containers. Obsolete (chiefly English regional in later use).

A handle. Now Scottish (rare).

A handle, helve. Obsolete.

That part of a thing by which it is held or manipulated; a handle. Obsolete (rare after 17th cent.).

That part of a mechanism by means of which something may be pulled; a handle or cord which may be pulled; (also) an instrument or device for pulling.

That which is fitted to grasp or clutch, or to be grasped or clutched; the fluke of an anchor, a handle. Now only Nautical the handle of an oar.

The handle or haft of any other weapon or tool.

‘A hilt or handle’ (Halliwell).

Something which is laid hold of, or by or with which anything is grasped or laid hold of.

A short broad strap, flat loop, or the like, attached by one end to an object, or forming a short projecting part by which a thing can be taken hold…

A handle or haft. Obsolete. rare.

The wooden shaft of a spear, handle of an implement, etc.; hence, a spear, lance (in to break a tree). Now dialect.

A handle by which something is held. Also figurative. Obsolete.

The handle (of a whip, fishing-rod, etc.).

A handle. Obsolete. rare.

Something which is griped or grasped. The handle of an implement; the hilt of a sword; = grip, n.1 6.

Applied to various objects resembling the stem of a plant or of a flower, etc. (Cf. stalk, n.1 4 5.) dialect. (See quot. 1838.)

That part of an implement, device, etc., which is held in the hand when using or manipulating it; a handle, a handgrip.

That which is gripped or grasped. The handle of a sword; the part of the handle gripped by the hand.