Hi, Brought up by hand indicates that he was spanked or otherwise physically punished as a part of growing up. A course is an action or event dispensed over a period of time. A university course is a subject taught over a prescribed period of time and broken down into portions or sections. A course of medicine is the same. "Take 2 tablets, 2 times a day for a week." In Oliver's situation, it means that he was subject to intentional, repeated treachery and deception. I hope this helps, Stephen