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secondhand

 - 2 dictionary results

sec⋅ond⋅hand

[sek-uhnd-hand]
–adjective
1. not directly known or experienced; obtained from others or from books: Most of our knowledge is secondhand.
2. previously used or owned: secondhand clothes.
3. dealing in previously used goods: a secondhand bookseller.
–adverb
4. after another user or owner: He bought it secondhand.
5. indirectly; at second hand: He heard the news secondhand.

Origin:
1645–55; second 1 + hand


sec⋅ond⋅hand⋅ed⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To secondhand
sec·ond·hand   (sěk'ənd-hānd')   
adj.  
  1. Previously used by another; not new.

  2. Dealing in previously used merchandise.

  3. Obtained, derived, or borrowed from another; not original.

adv.  In an indirect manner; indirectly.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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