E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
v. Hand.
(Miscellaneous articles.)
1
LAYING ON OF HANDS. The laying on of a bishop’s hands in confirmation or ordination.
2
PUTTING THE HAND UNDER THE THIGH. An ancient ceremony used in swearing.
3
“And Abraham said unto his eldest servant … Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: and I will make thee swear … that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites.”—Genesis xxiv. 2, 3.
