From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Manual \Man"u*al\, n. [Cf. F. manuel, LL. manuale. See Manual,
a.]
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.
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This manual of laws, styled the Confessor's Laws.
--Sir M. Hale.
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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).
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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.).
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Manual \Man"u*al\ (m[a^]n"[-u]*al), a. [OE. manuel, F. manuel,
L. manualis, fr. manus hand; prob. akin to AS. mund hand,
protection, OHG. munt, G. m["u]ndel a ward, vormund guardian,
Icel. mund hand. Cf. Emancipate, Legerdemain, Maintain,
Manage, Manner, Manure, Mound a hill.]
1. Of or pertaining to the hand.
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2. Performed by a person using physical as contrasted with
mental effort; as, manual labor.
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3. Done or made by the hand. In some contexts, contrasted
with automatic or mechanical. "Manual and ocular
examination." --Tatham.
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Manual exercise (Mil.) the exercise by which soldiers are
taught the use of their muskets and other arms.
Seal manual, the impression of a seal worn on the hand as a
ring.
Sign manual. See under Sign.
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