I. ˈmanyə(wə)l adjective
Etymology: Middle English manuel, from Middle French, from Latin manualis, from manus hand + -alis -al; akin to Old English & Old Norse mund hand, Old High German munt, Greek marē hand, Albanian marr I take
1.
a. : of, relating to, or involving the hands
manual dexterity
b. : designed for use or operation with the hands : worked by hand
an engine with a manual choke
2.
a. : requiring or involving physical skill and energy
manual labor
b. : engaged in an activity or occupation requiring or involving physical skill and energy
manual workers
3. obsolete : autograph
4. : existing in fact or deed : actual — used of legal possession or occupation
5. : using signs and the manual alphabet in teaching the deaf — compare oral
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English manuel, from Late Latin manuale, from Latin, neuter of manualis, adjective
1.
a. : a small book capable of being carried in the hand or conveniently handled: as
(1) : a book containing the forms of religious ceremonies used in the medieval Christian church
(2) : a book used by underwriters and agents that gives classifications, rates, forms, and rules for writing insurance
(3) : a book containing in concise form the principles, rules, and directions needed for the mastery of an art, science, or skill
b. : a concise treatise based on a larger work : handbook
2. : the prescribed movements in the handling of a weapon or other military item during a drill or ceremony
the manual of arms
the manual of the guidon
3. : a keyboard for the hands
upper manual of a harpsichord
specifically : one of the several keyboards of a pipe-organ console controlling a separate division of the instrument
solo manual
swell manual
4. : primary 3a