handiwork

noun

Etymology: From Middle English hondywerk, handiwerc, from Old English handġeweorc (“work done by hand, creation”), from hand (“hand”) + ġeweorc (“work”). Equivalent to hand + work, though it may now be reinterpreted as handy (“skilful”) + work. Compare Saterland Frisian Hondwierk, Dutch handwerk, German Handwerk.

1. Work done by the hands.
2. A handmade object; a handicraft.

   “The Museum of Popular Arts showcases Portugal's finest handiworks.”

3. Work done personally.

   “The street names are the handiwork of city planners.”

   “The firmament showeth his handiwork.”

4. The result of personal efforts.

   “Brunel's associations with the area have left a few examples of his handiwork or teaching in South Wales.”

   “As a primary architect of the draft Constitution that emerged from Philadelphia in 1787, Madison substantially bore the burden of defending his handiwork in his home state.”