a. and sb. 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. Sanford, trans. Agrippas 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. sb. = ALPHABETARIAN.
1656. Trapp, Exp. Gal. iv. 2. Those under the law were but alphabetaries in comparison of those under the gospel.