enchiridion
noun·/ˌɛn.kɪˈrɪd.i.ən/
A handbook kept close at hand, a compact manual of guidance, precept, or method. It is meant less to impress than to be used, wisdom portable enough to consult in the moment of need.
She carried a small enchiridion of poems, opening it like a lantern whenever the day grew narrow.
Etymology
From Greek encheiridion “that which is in the hand,” from en “in” + cheir “hand.” The word’s literal meaning is its philosophy: knowledge as something you can hold, not merely admire.
Related Words
vade mecuma “go-with-me” manual; close functional kin
manualthe plain descendant of the same impulse
compendiuma condensed collection; less explicitly handy
breviarya compact book of prayers; a specialized cousin