Dictionary

strait-handed en · ADJ

Etymology

From strait + handed.

Meanings

1. (archaic) parsimonious; sparing; niggardly
   • It is observable that is noted of those first converts, who were before strait-hearted and strait-handed, but when once made partakers of the Grace of God, how much they were enlarged, Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many as were possessours of lands or houses, sold them, and brought the prices of things that were sold: And laid them downe at the Apostles feet, and distribution was made to every man, according as he had need. 1643, Daniel Cawdrey, The good man a publick good:
   • The Fear of passing for a Prodigal makes this Man so wretchedly covetous and strait-handed, that he will not assist the sincerest Friend on the most pressing Occasion. 1743, Joseph Davidson, transl., The Satires, Epistles and Art of Poetry of Horace, page 28:
   • For she said- “This is not the hour to be strait-handed; suffer that I take what seemeth good unto me and go before Saum, it may be that I move him to spare the land.” 2006, Firdausi, Epic of Kings, →ISBN, page 76:

Forms

Deriveds

strait-handedness