Turn over to another, as in When you've read it, please hand it on to Sam. This term can also be used in the sense of "bequeath" (see hand down, def. 1). [Second half of 1800s]
1. To pass something to someone: I handed the letter on to my cousin after I read it. The lawyer handed on the contract to each party so that it could be signed.
2. To bequeath something to someone: The elders handed on their traditions to the younger generation. My grandparents handed the property on to me in their will.