Handicap

hand′i-kap, v.t. to impose special disadvantages or impediments upon in order to offset advantages, and make a better contest—in a horse-race the superior horse carries a heavier weight, while foot-runners are placed at different distances, or start at different times: ( fig. ) to place at a disadvantage by some burden or disability.— n. any contest so adjusted, or the condition imposed.— n. Hand′icapper , one who handicaps. [ Hand in the cap , from the usage in an ancient kind of sport and method of settling a bargain by arbitration.]