primer

Definitions

• (historical) A prayer 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.
• (historical) Similar works issued in England for private prayer in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer.
• A children's book intended to teach literacy: how to read, write, and spell.
• An introductory text on any subject, particularly basic concepts.
• (New Zealand) An elementary school class; an elementary school student.