Definition of hand down

The phrase "hand down" has roots in Middle English, dating back to the 14th century. It originally referred to the process of passing something physically from one person's hand to another's. The verb "hand" itself can be traced back even further, to Old English, where it meant "give" or "bestow." The term "hand down" has evolved over time, however, to take on a more metaphorical meaning. By the 16th century, it was being used to describe the act of transmitting knowledge or traditions from one generation to the next, as if each new holder of the knowledge were being physically handed it. This sense of the phrase can be seen in phrases like "the family tradition was handed down through the generations" or "the judges' decisions were handed down from year to year." The term also has a legal connotation, especially in the context of court decisions. In this context, "hand down" refers specifically to the moment when a judge announces a ruling, typically after considering evidence and arguments in a case. The use of "hand down" in this sense is so common that many people mistakenly believe it is a legal term of art, rather than simply a colloquial expression that has gained currency through its usage in the legal community. Overall, therefore, "hand down" has three distinct senses: the literal passing of an object from hand to hand, the metaphorical transmission of knowledge or tradition, and the legal pronouncement of a decision. Its development reflects the evolution of English usage over the centuries, as well as the way in which common phrases and idioms can take on new meanings as they are repeatedly employed in different contexts.