Handy, a. [Compar. Handier; superl. Handiest.]
Etymology: [OE. hendi, AS. hendig (in comp.), fr. hand hand; akin to D. handig, Goth. handugs clever, wise.]
1. Performed by the hand. [Obs.] To draw up and come to handy strokes. Milton.
2. Skillful in using the hand; dexterous; ready; adroit. "Each is handy in his way." Dryden.
3. Ready to the hand; near; also, suited to the use of the hand; convenient; valuable for reference or use; as, my tools are handy; a handy volume.
4. (Naut.)
1 more senses
Easily managed; obedient to the helm; -- said of a vessel.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for handy; he lists it under skilful.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.