thirdhand

Having been relayed by two intermediate sources.

Adjective

  1. Having been relayed by two intermediate sources.
    • Considering that we had heard of one another in a rather third-hand manner, I was surprised at the warmth and energy with which he received me. - 1983 August 13, Michael Ross, “Our Common Bond: Gay Men in East Germany”,...
    • Harare, the capital, was abuzz on Tuesday with such so-called insider accounts, each one undoubtedly taking new plot twists as they went from secondhand to thirdhand and further on. - 2008 April 2, The New York Times,...
  2. Having had two previous owners.

Origin

From third + hand.

Forms

more thirdhand most thirdhand

Adverb

  1. By two intermediates.

Forms

more thirdhand most thirdhand third-hand

Related

firsthand secondhand