black hand

noun

often capitalized B&H
: a lawless secret society engaged in criminal activities (such as terrorism or extortion)
blackhander
ˈblak-ˌhan-dər How to pronounce black hand (audio)
noun

Word History

Etymology

after the names of various real or imagined secret organizations in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries (Spanish Mano Negra, Italian Mano Nera, Serbian Crna Ruka)

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black hand was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near black hand

black gyrfalcon

black hand

black harry

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Black hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20hand. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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