What is "phrase book"

Phrase \Phrase\, n. [F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology, Gr. ?, fr. ? to speak.]

1. A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or being a portion of a sentence; as, an adverbial phrase.

   ``Convey'' the wise it call. ``Steal!'' foh! a fico for the phrase.
   --Shak.

2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.

3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression. ``Phrases of the hearth.''
   --Tennyson.

   Thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
   --Shak.

4. (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period.

   Note: A composition consists first of sentences, or periods; these are subdivided into sections, and these into phrases.

   Phrase book, a book of idiomatic phrases.
   --J. S. Blackie.

alt. A (usually pocket-sized) book consisting of everyday expressions and vocabulary in two languages and intended for travellers who wish to communicate with locals while in other countries (or regions in which a different language is spoken). n. A (usually pocket-sized) book consisting of everyday expressions and vocabulary in two languages and intended for travellers who wish to communicate with locals while in other countries (or regions in which a different language is spoken).

n. a book containing common expressions in a foreign language along with their translations

A phrase book is a collection of ready-made phrases, usually for a foreign language along with a translation, indexed and often in the form of questions and answers.