handful /(hănd"fụl)/

hand·ful

handful

n.

pl. handfuls ((hănd"fụlz))

  1. As much as the hand will grasp or contain.
  2. A hand's breadth; four inches. [Obs.]
    Knap the tongs together about a handful from the bottom.
  3. A small quantity or number.
    This handful of men were tied to very hard duty.
  4. A person, task, or situation, which is the most that one can manage; as, my two-year-old is a handful.
    They had their handful to defend themselves from firing.
    — Sir. W. Raleigh.

Phrases & Compounds
To have one's handful
to have one's hands full; to have all one can do.