HORNBOOK

hornbook

(noun) a primer that provides instruction in the rudiments or basic skills of a branch of knowledge

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

hornbook (plural hornbooks)

A single page containing the alphabet, covered with a sheet of transparent horn, formerly used for teaching children to read.

(legal) A legal textbook that gives a basic overview of a particular area of law.

Source: Wiktionary


Horn"book`, n.

1. The first book for children, or that from which in former times they learned their letters and rudiments; -- so called because a sheet of horn covered the small, thin board of oak, or the slip of paper, on which the alphabet, digits, and often the Lord's Prayer, were written or printed; a primer. "He teaches boys the hornbook." Shak.

2. A book containing the rudiments of any science or branch of knowledge; a manual; a handbook.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

18 March 2025

ODONTOGLOSSUM

(noun) any of numerous and diverse orchids of the genus Odontoglossum having racemes of few to many showy usually large flowers in many colors


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Coffee Trivia

Espresso is both a coffee beverage and a brewing method that originated in Italy. When making an espresso, a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure forces through finely-ground coffee beans. It has more caffeine per unit volume than most coffee beverages. Its smaller serving size will take three shots to equal a mug of standard brewed coffee.

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