handbook English · revision 15407

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound, calque|attested=before 900}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈhændˌbʊk/ ''(UK)''; /ˈhændˌbʊk/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|ang|handbōc|t=handbook, manual]], a compound of [[m|ang|hand]] and [[m|ang|bōc|t=book]],^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) translating [[la|manuālis]];^(Etymonline) the modern word was reintroduced in 1814 in imitation of [[de|Handbuch]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ In Old English, the manual of church offices and ritual: before 900 in the OED.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The Old English word was displaced in Middle English by [[manual]], from French, and later partly by [[enchiridion]], from Greek.^(Etymonline) Reintroduced in 1814 as a compact book of guidance in any art or study,^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) it was condemned through much of the 19th century, Trench calling it ''that very ugly and very unnecessary word''.^(Etymonline) In American use a handbook was also a betting book, and a handbook man a bookmaker, from 1894.^(OED 1989)^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 900 – handbōc.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1814 – a handbook of guidance.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1894 – a betting book (US).^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A short reference book giving facts or instructions on a subject; a [[manual]] or [[guidebook]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(US)'' A book in which off-track bets are recorded, or a place where they are taken.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[bookie]]

+ * [[manual]]

+ * [[enchiridion]]

+ * [[hand]]

+ * [[book]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}