What is "enchiridion"

Enchiridion \En`chi*rid"i*on\, n. [L., from Gr. ?; ? in + ? hand.] Handbook; a manual of devotions.
--Evelyn.

1540s, "a handbook," from Late Latin, from Greek enkheiridion, neuter of enkheiridios "that which is held in the hand," from en "in" (see en- (2)) + kheir "hand" (see chiro-) + diminutive suffix -idion.

n. 1 A handbook or manual. 2 A dagger.Milton, John. Thomas White, ed. '''', pp. 115 f., n. 4. R. Hunter, 1819.

1. n. a concise reference book providing specific information about a subject or location [syn: handbook, vade mecum]

2. [also: enchiridia (pl)]

Enchiridion is a Late Latin term (derived from the Greek word ἐγχειρίδιον (enkheiridion)) referring to a small manual or handbook. Some notable enchiridia include:

• Enchiridion of Epictetus, a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian (2nd century)
• Enchiridion of Sextus Pomponius, a collection of Roman law by Sextus Pomponius (2nd century)
• Enchiridion of Augustine, a compact treatise on Christian piety (420)
• Enchiridion of Byrhtferth (c. 970 – c. 1020)
• The Enchiridion militis Christiani of Erasmus, known also as the Handbook of a Christian Knight (1501)
• Erfurt Enchiridion, an early Lutheran hymnal (1524)
• Enchiridion of Dietrich Philips, alternatively titled The Handbook of the Christian Doctrine and Religion, compiled (by the grace of God) from the Holy Scriptures for the benefit of all lovers of the Truth (1564)
• Enchiridion symbolorum, definitionum et declarationum de rebus fidei et morum, an 1854 compendium of all basic texts of Catholic dogma and morality since the apostles
• Enchiridion Indulgentiarum, the handbook of Catholic prayers with indulgences
• " The Enchiridion!" (2010), fifth episode of the first season of the animated television series Adventure Time