handshake

American  

[hand-sheyk] / ˈhændˌʃeɪk /

noun

1. a gripping and shaking of right hands by two individuals, such as to symbolize greeting, congratulation, agreement, or farewell.

   It was a verbal contract, sealed with a firm handshake.

2. Computers. Also handshaking. an exchange of predetermined signals between networked or linked devices that is made when a connection is initially established or at intervals during data transmission in order to assure proper synchronization (also used attributively).

   A successful handshake is required between the server and client before the application will launch.

   Two handshake signals are exchanged between the computer and the printer—one from each device.

---

handshake British  

/ ˈhændˌʃeɪk /

noun

1. the act of grasping and shaking a person's hand, as when being introduced or agreeing on a deal

---

handshake Idioms  

1. see golden handshake.

---

Etymology

Origin of handshake

First recorded in 1870–75; hand + shake

Example Sentences

Close friends dining across the room from each other might exchange a wave or a quick handshake, but unsolicited business pitches go against the restaurant’s unwritten code of conduct, members say.

From The Wall Street Journal

It would take more than two years of round-the-clock campaigning just to give each and every one a quick handshake.

From Los Angeles Times

Elliot’s face twitched, but he nodded and turned to me, his hand extended for the customary handshake exchanged between cadets.

From Literature

It was enough for the head coach, who refused to wait for the final whistle and left Wolves boss Rob Edwards wondering where the post-match handshake was.

From BBC

"Brook played proper cricketing shots and he desreved a handshake, so I went to him and shook his hand in appreciation," said Afridi.

From Barron's

Related Words

• arrangement
• bargain
• bond
• commitment
• guarantee
• obligation
• pact
• pledge
• record
• settlement