Definitions
1.verbTo hold (something) out; to extend (something) forward."He held out his hand, and I grabbed it."
2.verbTo offer, present (a hope, possibility, opportunity etc.)"The prospectus held out the promise of enormous profits to be made."
3.verb(often with for) To wait, or refuse in hopes of getting something better (from a negotiation, etc.)"How long has he been holding out?"
4.verbTo survive, endure."How long can they hold out without water?"
5.verb(usually with on) To withhold something."You've got a key! Why have you been holding out on me?"
6.verbTo set something aside or save it for later."Pack the boxes, but hold out a few blue ones for later."
7.nounOne who refuses to give consent to an agreement in the hope of an improved offer; one who holds out; one who clings to a cause that has been mostly abandoned.
8.nounA device for cheating at card games by covertly holding a card out of play until it is wanted.