From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [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.
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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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