Originally: a book small enough to be easily portable and intended to be kept close to hand, typically one containing a collection of passages…

The title of a textbook on grammar by Alex. de Villedieu; by extension, a book of instruction in any subject; a textbook. Obsolete.

Something that serves to direct; a guide; esp. a book of rules or directions.

With modifying word or phrase, in the titles of manuals of instruction in particular subjects. Now only in the titles of music books teaching a…

(originally) a book of religious teachings or doctrine; (later chiefly) a book containing instructions on how something should be done, operated…

A handbook or reference book on a specific subject; a manual, a guide. Frequently as part of the title of such a work. Cf. vade-mecum, n. 1.

A comprehensive and systematic collection of information, or of the details of any subject, esp. law; a textbook, a pandect. Usually with of.

transferred. As the name of an instruction book in any subject. Now chiefly applied to books of instruction in playing a musical instrument.

A manual used for self-instruction. Now historical.

One who tutors; an instructor, tutor.

A book of instruction in a particular art, subject, etc. Cf. tutor, n. 6. Obsolete.

A book used as a standard work for the study of a particular subject; now usually one written specially for this purpose; a manual of instruction in…

A manual used for self-instruction.

A book of instruction or reference, esp. one suitable for use at a workbench; a manual.

a handbook containing instructions on how to use a device, piece of software, etc.; an instruction manual.

= user guide n.

Short for textbook, n. 2.