Definition of "backhander" in English

noun

1. A glass of wine given out of turn, the bottle having been handed backwards.

2. A blow with the back of the hand.

3. (informal) A bribe, a secret payment.

4. (racquet sports) A shot played backhand, a backhand stroke.

5. (racquet sports) A player who plays a backhand shot.

   • She's a terrific backhander.

6. (surfing) A surfer who approaches a swell with the wave behind them ("on their backhand") rather than facing the wave ("on their forehand").