adv.also offhand, 1690s, “at once, straightway,” from off (adv.) + hand (n.). Probably originally in reference to shooting without a rest or support. Hence, of speech or action, “unpremeditated” (1719). Related: Off-handed; off-handedly.
adv.also offhand, 1690s, “at once, straightway,” from off (adv.) + hand (n.). Probably originally in reference to shooting without a rest or support. Hence, of speech or action, “unpremeditated” (1719). Related: Off-handed; off-handedly.