Dictionary-Definition.com :: Manual definition

Definition of 'manual'

adjective

Of or relating to the hands; "manual dexterity"

adjective

Requiring human effort; "a manual transmission" [ant: automatic]

adjective

Doing or requiring physical work; "manual labor"; "manual laborer"

noun

A small handbook

noun

(military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle [syn: manual of arms, manual]

From: GCIDE

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. [1913 Webster]
2. Performed by a person using physical as contrasted with mental effort; as, manual labor. [1913 Webster]
3. Done or made by the hand. In some contexts, contrasted with automatic or mechanical. "Manual and ocular examination." --Tatham. [1913 Webster +PJC]
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. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

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. [1913 Webster]
This manual of laws, styled the Confessor's Laws. --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster]
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). [1913 Webster]
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.). [1913 Webster]