†c. Phrase. at short hand: for immediate needs only. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > condition of being necessary > relating to needs [phrase]
at short hand1825
1825 T. JeffersonAutobiogr. in Wks. (1859) I. 28 What matters it whether a landlord, employing ten laborers on his farm, gives them annually as much money as will buy them the necessaries of life, or gives them those necessaries at short hand?