handling-n; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: moving, delivering, etc

Commentary: The act of moving, carrying, delivering, or working with something, either manually or mechanically. Does not require or imply actually touching something with your hands.

Examples:
My printer cost $80, plus $12.99 for shipping and handling.
The package broke due to rough handling.
I've been working in the handling division of John's warehouse.

Mappings:
PropBank: handling.01
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: touching with hands

Commentary: HANDLING[+event] The act of touching something with the hands, or manipulating something skillfully with hands.

Examples:
John's inappropriate handling of Mary got him slapped with a sexual harrassment suit.
The Globetrotters have always demonstrated excellent ball-handling skills.
Too much direct handling will ruin a photograph.

Mappings:
PropBank: handling.01
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: abstract management

Commentary: HANDLING[+event] The management of someone or something. How people deal with a situation. No actual touching is involved.

Examples:
John's delicate handling of the Smithers account got him a promotion to management.
One can judge the development of a civilization by the handling of its prisoners.
The handling of the whole economy was too big a task for the Soviet government.

Mappings:
PropBank: handling.01
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 4