As a Noun: 1. A conventional use of handshapes (usually involving both hands) to form the letters of the alphabet with which to spell out words on the hands. English = fingerspelling. 2. The correct order of letters in a word, represented by fingerspelling, writing or speaking. English = spelling. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To use a conventional arrangement of handshapes (usually involving both hands) to form the letters of the alphabet with which you can spell out words on your hands. English = fingerspell. 2. To fingerspell, write or speak the individual letters of a word in the correct order. English = spell.