transitive. To furnish (a person, etc.) with what is serviceable to his efforts or his needs; to aid… absol. or intransitive. To afford aid or…

absol. and intransitive. to shove at: to push against (an object) in order to displace or overthrow; †figurative to apply one's energies to (a…

Chiefly Scottish. intransitive. To provide help, assistance, or relief. Obsolete.

absol. and intransitive.

To afford the use or support of (a part of the body); esp. in to lend a hand (or a helping hand)), to render assistance, assist, help.

hold (‥) hand. to hold hand: (a) to bear a hand, to contribute help or support, co-operate, concur; (b) to be on an equality with, to match (quot…

transitive. To exert, apply; to bring to bear, put forth. Frequently (now only) in to put to one's hand (also hands): to lend a hand; to set to…

absol. and intransitive. To render aid; to side with. Obsolete. rare.

intransitive. To minister, provide assistance to (a person or thing), esp. in a secret or unseen manner; to pander.

figurative. In various immaterial applications, e.g.: A ‘rise’ in station, prosperity, etc.; promotion; a rise in price; an act of helping, or a…

With object denoting a member of the body. to lay (a) hand: to assist, ‘lend’ a hand.

to give a hand: to give (a person) help or assistance, esp. with a physical task.

to bear a hand: to lend a hand, give help. Now rare.

Originally U.S. intransitive. In extended use: to help or assist; to lend a hand.