a.

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  1.  = CLOSE-FISTED. arch. or Obs.

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1585.  Abp. Sandys, Serm. (1841), 58. A prince void of all corruption … free in bestowing, in taking close-handed.

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1607.  Hieron, Wks., I. 82. The Lord was neuer sparing or close-handed towards His church.

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1856.  Froude, Hist. Eng., II. 92. The rood … of Boxley … used to smile and bow, or frown … as its worshippers were generous or closehanded.

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  2.  Hand-to-hand. (L. comminus.)

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1845.  Stoddart, in Encycl. Metrop. (1847), I. 115/1. Mêlée is the same as meslée … signifying a closehanded battle.

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