† ˈalphabeˌtary, a. and n. Obs.
[ad. mod.L. alphabētāri-us: see prec. Cf. abecedary.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to the (or an) alphabet, alphabetic; hence, rudimentary.
| 1569 J. Sandford tr. Agrippa's Van. Artes 62 That Alphabetarie, and Arithmantical diuinitie, which Christ secretely shewed to his Apostles. 1605 Camden Rem. (1637) 169 Alphabetary revolution, which they will have to be Anagrammatisme. 1681 Manton Serm. Ps. cxix. 162 Wks. 1872 IX. 180 An alphabetary knowledge fit for beginners. |
B. n. = alphabetarian.
| 1656 Trapp Exp. Gal. iv. 2 Those under the law were but alphabetaries in comparison of those under the gospel. |