(chiefly Brit.)a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, especially in a book or other publication (主 英)概要,概略(尤指手册、指南或其他出版物) ■a collection of things, especially one systematically gathered (尤指系统的)收集物;汇编 the programme is a compendium of out-takes from our archives. 这份提纲是我们档案馆的档案摘录的汇编。 ■a collection of similar items in one container 用具盒 ■a package of stationery for writing letters 书信用品夹
语源
late 16th cent.: from Latin, profit, saving' (literally what is weighed together'), from compendere, from com- 'together' + pendere 'weigh'