The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Handbook \Hand"book`\ (-b[oo^]k`), n. [Hand + book; cf. AS.
   handb[=o]c, or G. handbuch.]
   1. A book of reference, to be carried in the hand; a manual;
      a guidebook.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A book containing reference information for a specific
      field; as, the Handbook of Chemistry.
      [PJC] handbrake

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

handbook
    n 1: a concise reference book providing specific information
         about a subject or location [syn: handbook,
         enchiridion, vade mecum]