Definition of handsome

The word "handsome" has its roots in the Old English language, where it was spelled "handsum." This term initially referred to an object that was pleasing to the touch, as the Old English word "soma" meaning "pleasant" or "agreeable" was used alongside "hand" to describe such objects. As the language evolved, the meaning of "handsome" shifted to encompass a person's physical beauty or attractiveness, with the focus on the hands - which were considered a primary indicator of an individual's good health and well-being. This suggestion of handsomeness as a sign of wealth and prosperity is acknowledged in Old Norse as "handgervig" - meaning "a man of substance." In the Middle Ages, the term "handsome" became associated with the concept of generosity, as a "hand-some" man was thought to be "generously placed" or "well-placed," implying that he had the financial means to distribute wealth or favors to others. By the 16th century, the word's modern meaning as a descriptor of physical beauty was firmly established, as seen in the works of William Shakespeare, who used "handsome" in this sense in his plays.