manual Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a small handbook
  2. noun (military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
    manual of arms.
  3. adjective of or relating to the hands
    • manual dexterity
  4. adjective requiring human effort
    • a manual transmission
  5. adjective satellite doing or requiring physical work
    • manual labor
    • manual laborer

WordNet

Man"u*al adjective
Etymology
OE. manuel, F. manuel, L. manualis, fr. manus hand; prob. akin to AS. mund hand, protection, OHG. munt, G. mündel a ward, vormund guardian, Icel. mund hand. Cf. Emancipate, Legerdemain, Maintain, Manage, Manner, Manur, Mound a hill.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the hand; done or made by the hand; as, manual labor; the king's sign manual. "Manual and ocular examination." Tatham.
Man"u*al noun
Etymology
Cf. F. manuel, LL. manuale. See Manual, a.
Definitions
  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. (Mus.) A keyboard of an organ or harmonium for the fingers, as distinguished from the pedals; a clavier, or set of keys. Moore (Encyc. of Music).
  3. (Mil.) 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.).

Webster 1913