E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Back-hander.
A blow on the face with the back of the hand. Also one who takes back the decanter in order to hand himself another glass before the decanter is passed on.
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“I’ll take a back-hander, as Clive don’t seem to drink.”—Thackeray: The Newcomes.
