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.