promptuary

English

Etymology

Latin promptuarium (“storehouse”).

Noun

promptuary (plural promptuaries)

1. (obsolete) A magazine, repository, or handbook.
2. (arithmetic) A device described in Napier's treatise Rabdologiæ, consisting of a large set of strips used to multiply multi-digit numbers more easily than Napier’s bones.

Adjective

promptuary (not comparable)

1. (obsolete) Of or relating to preparation.
   • 1605, Francis Bacon, “(please specify |book=1 or 2)”, in The Twoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the Proficience and Aduancement of Learning, Diuine and Humane, London: […] [Thomas Purfoot and Thomas Creede] for Henrie Tomes, […], →OCLC:

     such things as frequently happen and come in dispute ; and this we call the promptuary way

References

“promptuary”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.