Thursday
Sep172009
Origins of the phrase "Gentlemen: Yours to hand, and, In reply......."
Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 5:45PM In this context Yours means your letter, i.e., the letter you sent.
to hand means: within reach, accessible, at hand.
at hand means: within easy reach; near; close by
So the meaning would be:
- "I have received your letter and in reply to it..." ; or
- "I have your letter right here beside me (to hand, at hand), and in reply. . ."; or
- "I have your letter in hand, and I'm replying."
Credits:
Thanks to Peter Duncanson, Pat Durkin, and Wayne Schiess for providing the explanation of this formal phrase.
Note:
If you have information about the origins of the phrase, please share them as comments. Thanks.
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (2)
Solar Power Charger has been in the the success of different ways one of many scientists. Then, the designer come in? In fact, they come to their different ideas on how to innovate. Moreover, these articles and tools variety show with different options and choices.
EL T-Shirt is a light-emitting chip, drive and cable and clothing these four parts, luminous film "Electro Luminescent" referred to as "EL"