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.]

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.

Manual alphabet. See Dactylology.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

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.).

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)