handicap

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Derived terms 1.2.2 Translations 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Translations 2 French 2.1 Pronunciation 2.2 Noun 3 Italian 3.1 Noun 4 Portuguese 4.1 Pronunciation 4.2 Etymology 4.3 Noun 4.3.1 Usage notes

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From hand in cap, in reference to holding the game stakes in a cap.

[edit] Noun

handicap (plural handicaps)

1. An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race (or other contest of skill) to the competitor possessing disadvantages; or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the chances of success.

   The older boy won, even though his opponent had been granted a handicap of five meters.

   A handicap in chess often involves removal of the queen's rook.

2. Hence the disadvantage itself, in particular physical or mental disadvantages of people. (sometimes considered offensive)
3. A race, for horses or men, or any contest of agility, strength, or skill, in which there is an allowance of time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize the chances of the competitors.
4. (obsolete, card game) An old game at cards. - Pepys

[edit] Derived terms

• Benghazi Handicap

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to handicap (third-person singular simple present handicaps, present participle handicapping, simple past and past participle handicapped)

1. (transitive) To encumber with a handicap in any contest.
2. (transitive, by extension) To place at disadvantage.

   The candidate was heavily handicapped.

3. To estimate betting odds.

   Grandpa Andy would buy the racing form the day ahead of time so he could handicap the race before he even arrived at the track.

[edit] Translations

---

[edit] French

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /hɑ̃.di.kap/, SAMPA: /hA~.di.kap/

[edit] Noun

handicap m. (plural handicaps)

1. handicap

---

[edit] Italian

[edit] Noun

handicap m. inv.

1. handicap (disability; horserace)

---

[edit] Portuguese

[edit] Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: han‧di‧cap

[edit] Etymology

From English handicap.

[edit] Noun

handicap m. (uncountable)

1. handicap, disadvantage
2. advantage

[edit] Usage notes

Due to misunderstanding of the original meaning, the word handicap in Portuguese can either be used to express advantage or disadvantage.