Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A man employed to do various kinds of work; a general-utility man; specifically, a skilled laborer who serves as assistant to a mechanic or artisan.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Ever since getting out a few months back, he had been trying to get a job, but only seemed to be able to land day work and handy-man gigs that didn't pay much.

    The Son of Estelle Ivy Lou Freshwater 2011

  • Auto repair and maintenance, basic handy-man services, counseling, food, adult medical care, web site design and development, music (three piece band), invasive weed removal, custom framing, hand woven textiles.

    Interview with The Gorge Local Currency Cooperative (GLCC) River HOURS 2009

  • The notion of having a handy-man notice and then offer to come back and fix them for me is a luxury that was unlooked for.

    Bedroom view maryrobinette 2009

  • The chief had then handed him a sum large enough to have set him up in one business or another, but though several weeks had already passed, the old fellow had continued his position as general handy-man, altering not one detail of his daily routine.

    The Road Leads On 2003

  • This old handy-man on the place had traveled far and wide and, good Heavens, what those eyes of his had not seen in the way of people and birds and business and champions and kinds of trees and mountain ranges!

    The Road Leads On 2003

  • His intelligence is not esteemed among the villagers, but it has been my habit to employ him as something of a handy-man.

    In Celebration Of Lammas Night Lackey, Mercedes 1996

  • We are just the handy-man of the last century, gone speed-lined and corporate.

    The Past Through Tomorrow Heinlein, Robert A. 1967

  • Her ideal of a man missionary was Dr. Rattray, who was a good carpenter and shoemaker and general handy-man, -- "far better accomplishments than a college education for the African field."

    Mary Slessor of Calabar: Pioneer Missionary W. P. Livingstone

  • 'They two dogs, they be summat like a couple o' wild b'ys; they keeps the passon and the mistress in, not for to say hot water, but bilin 'water, for the livelong day!' constantly declared Binks, who was the handy-man at the Vicarage, and, in fact, handy-man at the little church as well, he being both factotum and sexton.

    The Captain's Bunk A Story for Boys M. B. Manwell

  • As Mrs. Vesey lay watching the bay from her open windows, Binks, the old handy-man, moved about on the lawn outside, now and again exchanging remarks with his mistress as he passed and repassed.

    The Captain's Bunk A Story for Boys M. B. Manwell

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