plural. †The letters of the alphabet (obsolete). Hence, the rudiments of learning, the ‘A, B, C’; also, the first principles of an art or science.

The rudiments or elementary part of a subject, esp. as taught or learnt. Also in plural in same sense.

In various immaterial applications. A fundamental principle; (also in plural) the elements or rudiments of any study or branch of knowledge. Obsolete.

That which leads to the knowledge or understanding of something. In early use, That which initiates in a subject, a first lesson; in plural…

In plural. The introductory or elementary aspects of a field of study; rudiments. Now only as passing into senses 3 and 4.

In plural. The first principles or elements of a subject; those points which are first taught to, or acquired by, a person beginning the study or…

Usually in plural. (a) Elements of instruction; first principles of a science or art; (b) a book of first principles, an elementary treatise; = inst…

In extended use: the fundamentals or first principles of any subject; the structural relationship between these elements; (also) an instance of…

A principle or element of instruction; usually in plural, a digest of the elements of a subject, esp. of jurisprudence. (So in French.) Cf. instit…

figurative and in extended use. The elements of which something is composed; the rudiments or the basics of a subject; the key to any study or…

ut, re etc.: the notes of the gamut; also transferred, the ‘gamut’ or elements of something.

The rudiments or conceptual framework of something; a system or systematic key. Obsolete.

figurative. The rudiments or elementary part of a subject; the basics or ‘ABC’. Now rare.

With plural agreement. Rudiments; first principles.

(See quots.)

A rudiment, an element; a basic idea. Now rare.

The body of principles or rules introductory to any art, science, or subject of special study; preliminary learning; an instance of this.

In plural. The first principles or elements of a subject; = rudiment, n. 1a. Frequently with of.