handbook

Meanings

1. A topically organized book of reference on a certain field of knowledge, regardless of size, but archetypally one to be kept readily at hand.
2. A place where illicit bets can be placed.

Etymology

From Middle English handbok, from Old English handbōc (“handbook”), possibly reinforced as a calque of German Handbuch (“handbook”). By surface analysis, hand + book. Compare West Frisian hânboek (“handbook”), Dutch handboek (“handbook”), German Low German Handbook (“handbook”), Danish håndbog (“handbook”), Swedish handbok (“handbook”), Icelandic handbók (“handbook”).