[ad. L. alphabētum (Tertull.), f. Alpha, Beta = Ἄλφα, Βῆτα, the first two Greek letters taken as a name for the whole, ‘as in our ‘A B C.’ Cf. Fr. alphabet (not in Cotgr., 1611).]
1. The set of letters used in writing the Greek language; extended to those used by the Romans; and thence to any set of characters representing the simple sounds used in a language or in speech generally.
1580. Baret, Alv., A., This common vsuall order in our Alphabet or crosrowe.
1611. Cotgr., (R.). Touching the French abece, for alphabet I will not call it, according to the vulgar error, that word being peculiar only to the Greek tongue [not in ed. 1632].
1751. Johnson, Rambler, No. 141, ¶ 8. The lexicographer at last finds the conclusion of his alphabet.
1781. Cowper, Convers., 11. As alphabets in ivory employ, Hour after hour, the yet unlettered boy.
1857. Max Müller, Chips (1880), I. x. 261. The Chinese alphabet was never intended to represent the sound of words.
† b. In alphabet: in alphabetical order. Obs.
1699. Garth, Dispens., I. 5. Here Phyals in nice discipline are set, There Gally-pots are rang’d in Alphabet.
c. attrib.
1513. W. de Worde (title), The Flores of Ovide … with theyr Englysshe … and Two alphabete Tables.
1636. Cogan, Haven Health (ed. 2). The Table containing the principall points of the whole booke in Alphabet order.
2. fig. The key to any study or branch of knowledge; the first rudiments.
1588. Shaks., Tit. A., III. ii. 44. I (of these) will wrest an Alphabet, And, by still practice, learne to know thy meaning.
a. 1652. J. Smith, Sel. Disc., iv. 101. Our senses … first taught us the alphabet of this learning.
1837. Whewell, Induct. Sc., I. I. i. 27. The alphabet in which nature writes her answers to such inquiries.
† 3. An index in alphabetical order. Obs.
1552. Huloet, Alphabet of a boke, Elenchus.
1578. Bible (Genev.), Pref. These two Alphabets of directions … in maner of a briefe Concordance.
1666. Pepys, Diary, 25 Dec. Reducing the names of all my books to an alphabet.
1825. J. Neal, Bro. Jonathan, II. 159. Where’s the alphabet? Find Harwood.
† 4. fig. A long or complete series. Obs.
1592. Nashe, P. Penilesse (ed. 2), 8 b. Small beere, that wold make a man … runne through an Alphabet of faces.
1600. Holland, Livy, XXII. vii. 436 i. An alphabet of faces [varios vultus].
1727. Pope, Dunc., IV. 217. While tow’ring o’er the Alphabet like Saul.
