handful

noun6

1. •
   The amount that a hand will grasp or contain.
2. •
   a group of only a few, usually about five

   • This handful of men were tied to very hard duty. — 1655
3. •
   A group or number of things; a bunch.
4. •
   (informal) Something which can only be managed with difficulty.

   • Those twins are a real handful to look after.
5. •
   (slang) A five-year prison sentence.
6. •
   (no longer used) A hand's breadth; four inches.

   • Knap the tongs together about a handful from the bottom. — 1627