Hypertext Webster Gateway: "backhanded"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Backhanded \Back"hand`ed\, a.
1. With the hand turned backward; as, a backhanded blow.
2. Indirect; awkward; insincere; sarcastic; as, a backhanded
compliment.
3. Turned back, or inclining to the left; as, a backhanded
letters.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
backhanded
adj 1: (of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand
facing direction of stroke [syn: {backhand(a)}] [ant:
{forehand(a)}]
2: roundabout or ambiguous; "attacks from tht source amounted
to a backhanded compliment to his integrity"; "a
backhanded and dishonest way of reaching his goal"
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