also: おしで
noun
Archaic term for a seal or stamp used for authentication. In modern Japanese, 印鑑 or ハンコ are used instead.
古文書には押し手が押してあった。
The old document bore a seal.
noun
left-hand string pressing (on a zither)
In traditional Japanese music, the technique of pressing a string with the left hand to alter pitch or produce vibrato on instruments like the 琴 (koto).
琴の演奏では押し手が重要な技法だ。
In koto performance, left-hand pressing is an important technique.
noun
Only with reading おしで
In Japanese archery (弓道), the left hand that holds the bow. The reading おしで is traditional in this context. Contrasts with 引き手 (ひきで), the right hand that draws the string.
See also: 引き手 (ひきで)
弓道では押し手の位置が大切だ。
In kyudo, the position of the left hand is important.
noun
Rare, possibly archaic usage referring to a stubborn or pushy attitude. The connection to 'pushing hand' is metaphorical.
彼の押し手には皆が手を焼いた。
Everyone was at their wits' end with his stubbornness.
Abbreviated kanji form; less common but still used.
Abbreviated kanji with the archery reading おしで.
Compound of 押し (pushing) + 手 (hand). The various senses derive from the idea of a hand that presses or pushes, applied to seals, musical technique, archery, and metaphorically to stubbornness.