hornbook

[ hawrn-book ]

noun

1. a leaf or page containing the alphabet, religious materials, etc., covered with a sheet of transparent horn and fixed in a frame with a handle, formerly used in teaching children to read.
2. a primer or book of rudiments.

hornbook

/ ˈhɔːnˌbʊk /

noun

1. a page bearing a religious text or the alphabet, held in a frame with a thin window of flattened cattle horn over it
2. any elementary primer

Word History and Origins

Origin of hornbook¹

First recorded in 1580–90; horn + book

Example Sentences

This may seem like hornbook eighth-grade civics, but it bears repeating.

From The Daily Beast

And, Captain Borroughcliffe, as you appear to be forgetting the use of your own language, here is even a hornbook for you!

From Project Gutenberg

It was difficult to get books in those days, and a hornbook would last a long time.

From Project Gutenberg

They also tell of the use of the hornbook and the sun-dial, describe the making of soap and candles, and so forth.

From Project Gutenberg

But not to nod over a hornbook at the petty school—not John Shakespeare's son!

From Project Gutenberg

His "Gull's Hornbook" is written against coxcombs, and he says their "vinegar railings shall not quench his Alpine resolutions."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• addition
• debut
• establishment
• inauguration
• influx
• initiation
• installation
• launch
• opening
• preface
• presentation