What is "to handle without gloves"

Glove \Glove\ (gl[u^]v), n. [OE. glove, glofe, AS. gl[=o]f; akin to Icel. gl[=o]fi, cf. Goth. l[=o]fa palm of the hand, Icel. l[=o]fi.]

1. A cover for the hand, or for the hand and wrist, with a separate sheath for each finger. The latter characteristic distinguishes the glove from the mitten.

2. A boxing glove. Boxing glove. See under Boxing. Glove fight, a pugilistic contest in which the fighters wear boxing gloves. Glove money or Glove silver.

   1. A tip or gratuity to servants, professedly to buy gloves with.

   2. (Eng. Law.) A reward given to officers of courts; also, a fee given by the sheriff of a county to the clerk of assize and judge's officers, when there are no offenders to be executed.

      Glove sponge (Zo["o]l.), a fine and soft variety of commercial sponges ( Spongia officinalis).

      To be hand and glove with, to be intimately associated or on good terms with. ``Hand and glove with traitors.''
      --J. H. Newman.

      To handle without gloves, to treat without reserve or tenderness; to deal roughly with. [Colloq.]

      To take up the glove, to accept a challenge or adopt a quarrel.

      To throw down the glove, to challenge to combat.

Handle \Han"dle\ (h[a^]n"d'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handled (-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Handling (-dl[i^]ng).] [OE. handlen, AS. handlian; akin to D. handelen to trade, G. handeln. See Hand.]

1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.

   Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
   --Luke xxiv. 39.

   About his altar, handling holy things.
   --Milton.

2. To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.

   That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper.
   --Shak.

3. To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.

   The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year.
   --Sir W. Temple.

4. To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.

5. To deal with; to make a business of.

   They that handle the law knew me not.
   --Jer. ii. 8.

6. To treat; to use, well or ill.

   How wert thou handled being prisoner?
   --Shak.

7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.

   You shall see how I will handle her.
   --Shak.

8. To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.

   We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
   --Bacon.

   To handle without gloves. See under Glove. [Colloq.]