from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Compendium \Com*pen"di*um\, n.; pl. E. {Compendiums}, L.
{Compendia}. [L. compendium that which is weighed, saved, or
shortened, a short way, fr. compendere to weigh; com- +
pendere to weigh. See {Pension}, and cf. {Compend}.]
A brief compilation or composition, containing the principal
heads, or general principles, of a larger work or system; an
abridgment; an epitome; a compend; a condensed summary.
[1913 Webster]
A short system or compendium of a science. --I. Watts.
Syn: See {Abridgment}.
[1913 Webster]