dry-handed

adjective5

1. •
   Having hands that are dry.

   • She identified the dry grasp and the finger joints (both the Simpsons were dry-handed, and in the early stages of arthritis, so Dr Simpson had diagnosed). — 2012
2. •
   Old and withered, with connotations of lacking sexual potency or appeal.

   • She went from the arms of the football captain to the dry-handed grasp of Mr. Depopolus, who'd retired from the faculty when she was twelve years old. — 2012
3. •
   (no longer used) Empty-handed.

   • "But since they commenced to turning folks away, off dry-handed, giving them nothing while folks were getting hungry, well then the federal government fixed the welfare. — 1979
4. •
   (no longer used) Unarmed; lacking special equipment for fighting.

   • 'And now,' she said,'ye maun hae arms:ye maunna gang on dry-handed; but use them not rashly. — 1815
5. •
   (no longer used) Snobbish; concerned more with social standing than actual worth.

   • For I hear their carriage well commended, especially the Duke of Nevers, saving that the Queen's musicians and other inferior officers complain, that he was very dry-handed. — 1823