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enchiridion

In ancient Greece, an enchiridion was a small, portable book that gave information about one specific topic. A new car usually comes with its own enchiridion.

Enchiridion is derived from the Greek enkheiridios, "that which is held in the hand," from kheir, "hand." Imagine a small handbook or manual that would fit in a tote bag or large pocket — that's an enchiridion. The first of these were written by ancient Greeks on topics including ethics, law, and the writing of poetry. But if you want to impress, you can describe the manual that comes with a new blender or television as an enchiridion.

Definitions of enchiridion
  1. noun
    a concise reference book providing specific information about a subject or location
    synonyms: handbook, vade mecum
    see moresee less
    types:
    manual
    a small handbook
    bible
    a book regarded as authoritative in its field
    guide, guidebook
    something that offers basic information or instruction
    ready reckoner, reckoner
    a handbook of tables used to facilitate computation
    consuetudinal, consuetudinary
    a manual describing the customs of a particular group (especially the ceremonial practices of a monastic order)
    grimoire
    a manual of black magic (for invoking spirits and demons)
    book of instructions, instruction manual, instructions, operating instructions
    a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
    reference manual
    a manual containing information organized in a summary manner
    sex manual
    a manual containing instruction in sexual techniques; intended to enhance the reader's sexual life
    field guide
    a guidebook describing natural objects of some type that might be encountered in the field
    roadbook
    a guidebook describing the roads of a country; contains maps and (sometimes) a gazetteer
    itinerary, travel guidebook
    a guidebook for travelers
    type of:
    book of facts, reference, reference book, reference work
    a book to which you can refer for authoritative facts
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