backhanded Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb hit a tennis ball backhand
    backhand.
  2. adjective (of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke
    backhand.
  3. adjective satellite roundabout or ambiguous
    • attacks from that source amounted to a backhanded compliment to his integrity
    • a backhanded and dishonest way of reaching his goal

WordNet


Back"hand`ed adjective
Definitions
  1. With the hand turned backward; as, a backhanded blow.
  2. Indirect; awkward; insincere; sarcastic; as, a backhanded compliment.
  3. Turned back, or inclining to the left; as, a backhanded letters.

Webster 1913