English word manipulation comes from Old French manipule ("a handful" - a measure used by pharmacists), which comes from the Latin term "manipulus" also meaning "a handful". The sense of "handling something skilfully" is dated back to 1826, and by 1826 it was already used to mean "handling someone skilfully"
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| manipulus | Latin (lat) | handful |
| manipule | Old French (fro) | handful (a measure used by pharmacists) |
| -ation | English (en) | A state or quality. An action or process. The result of an action or process. |
| manipulation | English (en) | The practice of manipulating or the state of being manipulated.. The skillful use of the hands in, for example, chiropractic.. The usage of influence over a person, event, or situation to gain a desired outcome. |