Closehanded

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Unwilling to spend money generously or reluctant to give freely to others
2. Exhibiting a reluctance to part with money or resources and demonstrating a tendency to be stingy or ungenerous in financial situations
3. Showing a strong resistance to parting with money or help, often appearing stingy or ungenerous

Etymology: "Closehanded" is a plain compound: "close," meaning tight or stingy with money, joined to "handed," the adjective formed from "hand" in the sense of a person who gives or holds things in a certain manner. Put together, the word describes someone whose hand stays closed when it comes to spending, the same image that lies behind "close-fisted." The "close" part is the key. In its older sense, "close" could mean niggardly or reserved, so a close person kept things to themselves, including their money. Pairing it with "handed" turns that tightness into a physical posture: the hand that will not open to release coins or gifts.

Synonyms: stingy, miserly, tightfisted

Antonyms: generous, openhanded