\Ma*nip`u*la"tion\, n. [Cf. F. manipulation.]
1. The act or process of manipulating, or the state of being
   manipulated; the act of handling work by hand; use of the
   hands, in an artistic or skillful manner, in science or
   art.
         Manipulation is to the chemist like the external
         senses to the mind. --Whewell.
2. The use of the hands in mesmeric operations.
3. Artful management; as, the manipulation of political
   bodies; sometimes, a management or treatment for purposes
   of deception or fraud.