overhand (adv.)

1570s, "upside down," from over- + hand. Sense in tennis, etc., "with the hand above that which is gripped," is by 1861. As an adjective, of throws, strokes, or bowls, "done with the hand raised above the shoulder," it is recorded by 1828 (in cricket), originally over-handed. Middle English had over-honde as a noun, "mastery, victory" (compare upper hand).