man·u·al / ˈmanyə(wə)l/ • adj. of or done with the hands: manual dexterity manual hauling of boats along the towpath. ∎  (of a machine or device) worked by hand, not automatically or electronically: a manual typewriter. ∎  using or working with the hands: a manual laborer.• n. 1. a book of instructions, esp. for operating a machine or learning a subject; a handbook: a computer manual a training manual. ∎  a small book: a pocket-sized manual of the artist's aphorisms. ∎  hist. a book of the forms to be used by priests in the administration of the sacraments.2. a thing operated or done by hand rather than automatically or electronically, in particular: ∎  an organ keyboard played with the hands. ∎  a vehicle with a manual transmission.DERIVATIVES: man·u·al·ly adv.

manual pert. to the hands. XV. Earliest form manuel (later assim. to L.) — (O)F. manuel — L. manuālis, f. manus hand, rel. to OE., ON. mund, OHG. munt; see -AL1. As sb. small book for handy use (XV) based ult. on late L. manuāle, sb. use of n. of adj.; as a term for the keyboard of an organ (XIX) distinguished from pedal.

manual. Any of the org. kbds. provided for the hands (as opposed to pedal-kbd.). Hpds. have 1st and 2nd manuals (kbds.).