noun (n)

• a small number or amount(noun.quantity)

  Example:
  Only a handful of responses were received.
  

  Synonym:
  smattering
  

  source: wordnet30
• the quantity that can be held in the hand(noun.quantity)

  Synonym:
  fistful
  

  source: wordnet30
• As much as the hand will grasp or contain.(noun)

  source: webster1913