1. a hit made with the back of the hand
2. a stroke in tennis or other racket sports made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
3. a bribe or illegal payment
Usage: informal; chiefly British

Examples

• He gave the rude customer a backhander across the face.
• Her backhander down the line won her the point.
• She hit a powerful backhander that her opponent couldn’t return.
• The tennis coach worked on improving his student’s backhander technique.
• The politician was accused of accepting a backhander from the construction company.
• The investigation revealed several backhandlers paid to city officials.
• He was known for his devastating backhander that could knock someone down.