handicap

  1. Noun.  An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race (or other contest of skill) to the competitor possessing disadvantages; or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the chances of success.
  2. Noun.  (context, sometimes considered offensive) The disadvantage itself, in particular physical or mental disadvantages of people.
  3. Noun.  A race, for horses or men, or any contest of agility, strength, or skill, in which there is an allowance of time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize the chances of the competitors.
  4. Noun.  (obsolete, card game) An old game at cards. - Pepys.
  5. Verb.  (transitive) To encumber with a handicap in any contest.
  6. Verb.  (transitive, by extension) To place at disadvantage.
  7. Verb.  To estimate betting odds.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.