high-handedness

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

high-hand•ed /ˈhaɪˈhændɪd/   adj. 

1. unfair or arbitrary, as from using one's power capriciously:
   the boss's high-handed way of treating employees.

high--hand•ed•ly, adv. 
high--hand•ed•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

high-hand•ed  (hī′han′did), adj. 

1. condescending or presumptuous;
   overbearing;
   arbitrary:
   He has a highhanded manner.

• 1625–35

high′-hand′ed•ly, adv. 
high′-hand′ed•ness, n.