second hand

[ sek-uh nd hand for 1; sek-uh nd hand for 2, 3 ]
/ ˈsɛk ənd ˌhænd for 1; ˈsɛk ənd ˈhænd for 2, 3 /

noun

the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.
an assistant or helper, as to a worker or foreman.

Idioms for second hand

    at second hand, from or through an intermediate source or means; secondhand: She had the news at second hand.

Origin of second hand

1425–75 for def 3; 1750–60 for def 1; late Middle English

Words nearby second hand

second estate, second fiddle, second floor, second generation, second growth, second hand, second heart sound, second home, second intention, second international, second language

British Dictionary definitions for at second hand

second hand

noun

a pointer on the face of a timepiece that indicates the seconds Compare hour hand, minute hand

Idioms and Phrases with at second hand (1 of 2)

at second hand

Received from some source other than the original. For example, I learned of Mary's divorce at second hand. This phrase may be applied to information or to previously owned merchandise. [1400s] Also see at first hand.

Idioms and Phrases with at second hand (2 of 2)

second hand

see at second hand.