manual alphabet

noun

1. a set of finger configurations corresponding to the letters of the alphabet, used by the Deaf in fingerspelling.

Word History and Origins

Origin of manual alphabet¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

One who is entirely dependent upon the manual alphabet has always a sense of restraint, of narrowness.

From Project Gutenberg

One who reads or talks to me spells with his hand, using the single-hand manual alphabet generally employed by the deaf.

From Project Gutenberg

Just here, perhaps, I had better explain our use of the manual alphabet, which seems to puzzle people who do not know us.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Keller's reading of the manual alphabet by her sense of touch seems to cause some perplexity.

From Project Gutenberg

Books supplemented, perhaps equaled in importance the manual alphabet, as a means of teaching language.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• finger alphabet
• fingerspelling