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vade mecum

[ vey-dee mee-kuh m, vah- ]

/ ˈveɪ di ˈmi kəm, ˈvɑ- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR vade mecum ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural va·de me·cums.

something a person carries about for frequent or regular use.

a book for ready reference; manual; handbook.

Origin of vade mecum

First recorded in 1620–30, vade mecum is from the Latin word vāde mēcum literally, go with me

Words nearby vade mecum

vacuum tube, vacuum-pack, vacuum-packed, vacuumize, vad, vade mecum, vadodara, vadose, vadose zone, vadsö, vaduz

Example sentences from the Web for vade mecum

This is a metaphor, borrowed partly from the grazier's vocabulary, and partly from the arithmetician's vade-mecum.

Tales And Novels, Volume 4 (of 10) |Maria Edgeworth
The bow at that time was his vade-mecum; he never left it home.

Hunting with the Bow and Arrow |Saxton Pope
The passage in The Rhetorician's Vade-mecum is the chief authority for their style.

The Works of Lucian of Samosata, v. 4 |Lucian of Samosata
This excellent handbook will prove a perfect Vade-mecum to those engaged in the practical work of Mining and Metallurgy.

A Textbook of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. |Cornelius Beringer and John Jacob Beringer

It was her vade-mecum—good against rain, or sun, or mad bulls, or troublesome dogs.

Mount Royal, Volume 1 of 3 |Mary Elizabeth Braddon

British Dictionary definitions for vade mecum

vade mecum

/ (ˈvɑːdɪ ˈmeɪkʊm) /

noun

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

Word Origin for vade mecum

C17: from Latin, literally: go with me