right hand: Meaning and Definition of

right' hand'

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. the hand that is on the right side, or the side opposite that where the heart is.
  2. the right side, as of a person, esp. this side considered as the side of precedence or courtesy.
  3. a position of honor or special trust.
  4. an extremely efficient or reliable person or, sometimes, tool, esp. a person considered as one's assistant.

right-hand

Pronunciation: (rīt'hand'), [key]
— adj.
  1. on the right.
  2. of, for, or with the right hand.
  3. most reliable, valuable, or useful, as a helper or assistant.
  4. plain-laid.
    1. (of a door) having the hinges on the right when seen from the exterior of the building, room, closet, etc., to which the doorway leads.
    2. (of a casement sash) having the hinges on the right when seen from inside the window.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.