English

handshape

From hand + shape.

A compound of hand + shape

Proto-Germanic *handuz

Proto-West Germanic *handu

Old English hand

Middle English hond

English hand

Proto-Indo-European *(s)kep- ‘to split, cut’

Proto-Germanic *gaskapą

Proto-West Germanic *gaskap

Old English ġesceap ‘shape, form; creation’

Middle English schap

English shape

Today it means

noun The held position of the hand and fingers in producing a particular sign.

Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.

Etymograph / handshape