ˈclose-ˌhanded, a.
1. = close-fisted. arch. or Obs.
| 1585 Abp. Sandys Serm. (1841) 58 A prince void of all corruption..free in bestowing, in taking close-handed. 1607 Hieron Wks. I. 82 The Lord was neuer sparing or close-handed towards His church. 1856 Froude Hist. Eng. II. 92 The rood..of Boxley..used a smile and bow, or frown..as its worshippers were generous or closehanded. |
2. Hand-to-hand. (L. comminus.)
| 1845 Stoddart in Encycl. Metr. (1847) I. 115/1 Mêlée is the same as meslée..signifying a closehanded battle. |
† ˌclose-ˈhandedness = close-fistedness.
| 1646 P. Bulkeley Gospel Covt. iii. 269 There is amongst us a..close-handednesse towards the Lord. 1661 B. Holyday Serm. Disloyalty 28 (T.) By a close-handedness in an instant war, the inhabitants confounded their empire and themselves. |