Dictionary

stickhandle en · VERB

Etymology

From stick + handle.

Meanings

1. (intransitive, qualifier:field hockey, transitive) To maintain individual possession of the puck or ball by controlling it with movements of one's stick, especially to do so in a skillful manner.
   • Kovalev regained possession of the puck and stickhandled at full speed into neutral-zone open ice. 2008 April 17, Dave Stubbs, “Lots of life left in Bruins”, in The Gazette, Montreal, retrieved 13 May 2008:
2. (Canada, broadly) To deal capably and swiftly with a situation, especially in a manner which deflects potential problems.
   • Obama, on the other hand, stickhandled his preacher problem and retained his poise and dignity. 2008 May 8, Diane Francis, “Obama vs McCain. Finally”, in National Post, Canada, retrieved 13 May 2008:
   • He has ducked questions in Parliament on everything from Afghan detainees to Radarsat 2, leaving them to be stickhandled by other ministers. 2008, "Editorial: Hillier goes, not Bernier, Toronto Star, 16 Apr. (retrieved 13 May 2008)

Forms