adj. & n.
--adj.
1. of or done with the hands (manual labour).
2 (of a machine etc.) worked by hand, not automatically.
--n.
1. a a book of instructions, esp. for operating a machine or learning a subject; a handbook (a computer manual). b any small book.
2 an organ keyboard played with the hands not the feet.
3 Mil. an exercise in handling a rifle etc.
4 hist. a book of the forms to be used by priests in the administration of the Sacraments.
Phrases and idioms:
manual alphabet sign language.
Derivatives:
manually adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF manuel, f. (and later assim. to) L manualis f. manus hand