1
general::
Distribute, as in The teacher handed out the test papers. [Late 1800s] For a synonym, see PASS OUT, def. 1.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): hand something out (to someone)
1. to give something out to someone. • The judge was known for handing heavy fines out. • She handed out large fines to everyone. 2. to pass something, usually papers, out to people. • The teacher handed the tests out to the students. • Please hand out these papers.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs