Pronunciation: [hˈandft] (IPA) 
The word "handfed" refers to something that has been raised or nurtured by hand. It is spelled as [hænd-fed] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "hand" is pronounced as [hænd], with the "a" sound pronounced as in "band" and the "d" sound at the end. The second syllable "fed" is pronounced as [fed], with the "e" sound pronounced as in "bed" and the "d" sound at the end. Together, the word is pronounced as [hænd-fed].
Handfed is an adjective that describes something or someone that is nurtured or fed with care and attention using one's hands. This term is often associated with animals, particularly domesticated or young animals, but can also be applied to humans in certain contexts.
When referring to animals, handfed typically indicates a method of feeding in which the caretaker uses their hands to supply food directly to the animal. This approach is commonly employed with newborns or orphaned animals that require special care and attention to ensure their survival and proper development. The caretaker typically bottles or syringes the necessary nutrients or food formula directly into the animal's mouth, often imitating the natural feeding process of their species.
In a broader sense, handfed can also refer to humans who have been personally guided or taken care of in a meticulous and attentive manner. This may be applicable to individuals who have received personal instruction or mentorship, where they have been given individualized attention or guidance to facilitate their learning or growth.
Handfed generally implies a close and nurturing relationship, emphasizing the idea of one-on-one care and attention. This term encompasses the notion of delicacy, patience, and hands-on involvement, engendering a sense of trust and dependability.
The word "handfed" is a compound formed by combining the words "hand" and "fed".
The term "hand" can be traced back to the Old English word "hand", which has Germanic roots. It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages like Dutch "hand" and German "Hand". The origin of this word is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from a common Indo-European root.
The word "fed" is derived from the Old English word "fēdan", meaning "to nourish or give food to". This word shares its roots with the Old High German "fuotan" and Old Norse "fæða", both with similar meanings. All these words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fōdjana", meaning "to feed".
