vade mecum

[ vey-dee mee-kuhm, vah- ]

noun

, plural va·de me·cums.

1. something a person carries about for frequent or regular use.
2. a book for ready reference; manual; handbook.

vade mecum

/ ˈvɑːdɪ ˈmeɪkʊm /

noun

1. a handbook or other aid carried on the person for immediate use when needed

Word History and Origins

Origin of vade mecum¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin vāde mēcum literally, “go with me”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vade mecum¹

C17: from Latin, literally: go with me

Example Sentences

A brewing vade mecum for coffee snobs, Filtru guides you through the art of crafting killer brews, including pouring intervals, stirring and waiting tips.

From Time

This time he has written a vade mecum for the young aeroplanist, who is conducted to the aerodrome and initiated Into all the mysteries of flying.

From Project Gutenberg

His essays had been my vade mecum in all my world-wide wanderings.

From Project Gutenberg

Forming a guide book & vade mecum for travellers, merchants, and residents in general.

From Project Gutenberg

Ted delighted to call it his "vade mecum," and most of the scouts had only a hazy conception of what those words meant, though they appreciated the bag all right.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• album
• booklet
• brochure
• copy
• dictionary
• edition
• essay
• fiction
• magazine
• manual
• novel
• pamphlet
• paperback
• publication
• text
• textbook
• tome
• volume
• work
• writing