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Manual

Of or pertaining to the hand; done or made by the hand; as, manual labour; the kings sign manual. Manual and ocular examination. manual alphabet. See dactylology. Manual exercise the exercise by which soldiers are taught the use of their muskets and other arms. Seal manual, the impression of a seal worn on the hand as a ring. Sign manual. See sign.

Origin: oe. Manuel, f. Manuel, L. Manualis, fr. Manus hand; prob. Akin to as. Mund hand, protection, OHG. Munt, g. Mundel a ward, vormund guardian, Icel. Mund hand. Cf. Emancipate, Legerdemain, maintain, Manage, manner, Manur, mound a hill.

1. A small book, such as may be carried in the hand, or conveniently handled; a handbook; specifically, the service book of the roman Catholic Church. This manual of laws, styled the Confessor's laws. (Sir M. Hale)

2. A keyboard of an organ or harmonium for the fingers, as distinguished from the pedals; a clavier, or set of keys.

3. A prescribed exercise in the systematic handing of a weapon; as, the manual of arms; the manual of the sword; the manual of the piece (cannon, mortar, etc).

Origin: cf. F. Manuel, LL. Manuale. See manual.