Originally posted by Tim
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manipulate 1831, "to handle skillfully by hand," a back formation from manipulation. Of mental influence, from 1864. In mid-20c., it served as a euphemism for "masturbation." Related: Manipulated; manipulating.
manipulation c.1730, "a method of digging ore," from Fr. manipulation, from manipule "handful" (a pharmacists' measure), from L. manipulus "handful, sheaf," from manus "hand" (see manual) + root of plere "to fill" (see plenary). Sense of "skillful handling of objects" is first recorded 1826; extended 1828 to "handling of persons" as well as objects.
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