The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Handbill \Hand"bill`\ (-b[i^]l`), n.
   1. A loose, printed sheet, to be distributed by hand.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A pruning hook. [Usually written hand bill.]
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

handbill
    n 1: an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a
         leaflet) intended for wide distribution; "he mailed the
         circular to all subscribers" [syn: circular, handbill,
         bill, broadside, broadsheet, flier, flyer,
         throwaway]

Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

HANDBILL. A printed or written notice put up on walls, &c., in order to
inform those concerned of something to be done.