Primer

noun

1. A 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.
2. Similar works issued in England for private prayer in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer.
3. A children's book intended to teach literacy: how to read, write, and spell.

   "1545, The A.B.C. Primers"

4. An introductory text on any subject, particularly basic concepts.
5. An elementary school class; an elementary school student.