backhand

Etymology

From back + hand.

noun

1. (tennis) a stroke made across the chest from the off-hand side to the racquet hand side; a stroke during which the back of the hand faces the shot.
2. Handwriting that leans to the left
3. (Ultimate Frisbee) the standard throw; a throw during which the disc begins on the off-hand side and travels across the chest to be released from the opposite side.
4. The reverse side of the human hand.
5. (surfing) the hand towards the back of the board.

verb

1. to execute a backhand stroke or throw
2. to slap with the back of one's hand

adj

1. (of handwriting) Slanting to the left.
   In great confusion, Gordon accepted the letter, broke its small crested seal, and began reading the neat back-hand scrawl. 1936, F.J. Thwaites, chapter XIII, in The Redemption, Sydney: H. John Edwards, published 1940, page 135
2. (of strokes or throws) In the backhand style
3. (ice hockey) Of a play that uses the back side of the hockey stick
   He scored on a backhand shot.