The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

handful \hand"ful\ (h[a^]nd"f[.u]l), n.; pl. handfuls
   (h[a^]nd"f[.u]lz). [AS. handfull.]
   1. As much as the hand will grasp or contain. --Addison.
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   2. A hand's breadth; four inches. [Obs.]
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            Knap the tongs together about a handful from the
            bottom.                               --Bacon.
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   3. A small quantity or number.
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            This handful of men were tied to very hard duty.
                                                  --Fuller.
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   4. A person, task, or situation, which is the most that one
      can manage; as, my two-year-old is a handful.
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   To have one's handful, to have one's hands full; to have
      all one can do. [Obs.]
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            They had their handful to defend themselves from
            firing.                               --Sir. W.
                                                  Raleigh.
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