handicap

1) A word with an obscure history but apparently the name originally of a kind of sport, commented on in some detail in the OED, in which one person challenged an article that belonged to his opponent, offering something in return.

1692 had a C or horse show newly sett in tarr, the open side downward on each side ... the near ear stov’d ... had her in exchange or handy-cap of Robert Canby, Spofforth.

places Spofforth
dates 1692

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