handiwork

From Middle English hondywerk, handiwerc, from Old English handġeweorc (“work done by hand, creation”), from hand (“hand”) + ġeweorc (“work”), equal to hand +‎ work. Compare Saterland Frisian Hondwierk, Dutch handwerk, German Handwerk.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈhændiˌwɜːk/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈhændiˌwɝk/

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handiwork (usually uncountable, plural handiworks)

1. Work done by the hands.

   The Museum of Popular Arts showcases Portugal's finest handiworks.

2. A handmade object; handicraft
3. Work done personally.
   • (Can we date this quote?) - Psalms 19:1

     The firmament showeth his handiwork.

4. The result of personal efforts.
   • 2004 Fall, Laurence Claus, Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, volume 28, number 1, page 119-168:

     As a primary architect of the draft Constitution that emerged from Philadelphia in 1787, Madison substantially bore the burden of defending his handiwork in his home state.

• (work done by the hands): handwork