See Also: offhand(dictionary)
offhand 1, adjective(dictionary)
offhand 2, adverb(dictionary)

offhand (iou)



offhand adverb & adjective. Also off-hand. L17.
[from OFF preposition + HAND noun.]
A. adverb.
At once, straightaway; without preliminary deliberation or preparation, extempore. Also, in a curt or casual manner. L17.
R. Campbell It was done off-hand without consulting..the book. E. Ferber A big clip with a lot of sapphire scatter pins is smart worn just somewhere offhand. T. Roethke Off-hand I don't know anyone who's tried this.
Shooting. From the hand without other support. US. M19.
b. adjective.
Done, made, or acting offhand; unpremeditated, extemporaneous, impromptu; free and easy, unstudied, unceremonious; curt or casual in manner. E18.
M. Renault Greeted by a couple of men..he gave an off-hand nod. E. Leonard He tried to think of a..quick offhand comment. J. Archer It would be offhand not to be..polite.
Of a shot: fired from a gun held in the hand without other support. US. M19.
Engineering. Carried out with the workpiece held in the hand. M20.
Glass-making. Made or done by hand, without a mould. M20.
offhanded adjective = OFFHAND adjective M19.
offhandedly adverb L19.
offhandedness noun E19.
offhandish adjective somewhat offhand L19.