Middle English: from hand + -some. The original sense was 'easy to handle or use', hence 'suitable' and 'apt, clever' (mid 16th cent.), giving rise to the current appreciatory senses (late 16th cent.)
Middle English: from hand + -some. The original sense was 'easy to handle or use', hence 'suitable' and 'apt, clever' (mid 16th cent.), giving rise to the current appreciatory senses (late 16th cent.)