open-handed

Definition

Done with the hand open rather than clenched

Etymology

From open + handed.

Example Sentences

• "Hitters use the open-handed tip to try to softly place the ball over the blockers or into other open areas of the opponent's court."
• "Visual gaze toward the mother was present with the children's earliest gestures, but only in those cases where the gesture was itself directed toward the mother, such as extending objects toward the mother or open-handed reaching or pointing toward objects held by the mother."
• "And there were other words that stung his ears like hail: 'Slut! Bitch! Whore!' each accompanied by a noise: the open-handed slap that sounded like the tearing ofcalico, the dull thud followed by a gasp as a bunched fist slammed into yielding flesh, the reedy shriek and the gurgling sob -- and eventually the whistling breaths as Jessie climbed the stairs and shouted until she made herself heard that if they didn't stop their racket right this minute then she'd be calling the bobbies."