Primer Meaning
/ˈpɹaɪ.mə/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Definition
nounA prayer or devotional book intended for laity, initially an abridgment of the breviary and manual including the hours of the Virgin Mary, 15 gradual and 7 penitential psalms, the litany, the placebo and dirige forming the office of the dead, and the commendations.
nounAny of various similar works issued in England for private prayer in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer.
Sentence Examples
Word Origin & History
From Middle English primer, primere, from Medieval Latin primarius and primarium (“prayer book”) possibly via Anglo-Norman primer (“prayer book”), from prima (“prime the liturgical hour and office”) + -arius and -arium (suffix forming related objects). Its use for schoolbooks derived from the late medieval and early modern use of such prayer books to teach reading.