washhand

English

Alternative forms

• wash-hand

Etymology

From wash +‎ hand.

Adjective

washhand (not comparable)

1. Used primarily for washing one's hands.
   • 1853, Ann Fraser Tytler, Leila; Or, The Island, page 19:

     "Do, papa, come into my new bed-room!" she exclaimed, "it is such a delightful one; I like it much better than the cabin, it is so large, and has such a curious window, but it has no tables or chairs, or washhand stand; and when I awoke this morning, I could not think where I was, and I called out, ' Nurse, nurse, where am I, and why is the ship not moving, and how curious the cabin has grown, and where is my washhand stand?'

   • 1854, Henry G. Cooper, Indestructibility, One of the Great Truths Proclaimed by Nature and Science, Traced Throughout Surrounding Things, from a Bit of Coal Up to the Soul of Man, page 30:

     If, on rising in the morning, the reader perceives that the water in his washhand ewer has frozen, he may rest assured that the heat with which the ice was combined as water, has departed, and is playing its part elsewhere.

   • 1878, Arthur Orton (defendant.), Edward Vaughan Kenealy, The Trial at Bar of Sir Roger C.D. Tichborne, Bart, page 229:

     Was the washhand basin opposite the door

   • 1893, F. Gribble, “The Fortune of War”, in The Pall Mall Magazine, volume 1, page 590:

     I listened; and this was what he said:" If you put your hand into your washhand jug , you will find a key that will unlock your door.

   • 2014, Bill Cariad, The Orsinni Contracts:

     Maria visited one of the cubicles, and used a wash-hand sink, before eventually rejoining her guide to inform him she would be lunching in the hotel's restaurant overlooking Central Park.

Derived terms

• washhand-basin
• washhand table
• washhand-stand