a leaflet, free sample, etc, given out to publicize something
3.
a statement or other document distributed to the press or an audience to confirm, supplement, or replace an oral presentation
verb (transitive, adverb)
4.
to distribute
Word Origin and History for hand-out
n.
also handout, hand out, "alms or food given to a beggar," 1882, hobo slang, from hand (v.) + out. Meaning "distributed printed informational matter" is from 1927.