right hand noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English riht hond, riht hand 1. a.: the hand on a person's right side b.: the hand of greeting, welcome, or friendship c.: a reliable or indispensable person : a useful or efficient helper < indispensable as the right hand and instrument of the gods — George Grote > 2. a.: the right side : the direction toward the right b.: a place of honor or precedence < sitteth on the right hand of God — Book of Com. Prayer >