High-handed

Posted by Bella on April 08, 2003

In Reply to: High-handed posted by S. on April 02, 2003

: Hello, I was just hoping some one might know the etymology of the term "high-handed". Thanks in advance for any assistance.

There is also, biblically, the visual "hands raised unto the Lord" in praise; this is how I, personally, think the Hebrews left after being freed, singing and praising.
"High-handed" as in superiority I think is not the fist-in-the-air so much as simply the one who is in control has the last (or first) say in how something should be done, therefore, that person's hand is higher as in more important.

Or even, you card players out there, is not the winning hand usually the highest?