red book

Meaning

Noun

• A book, often bound with a red cover, or online equivalent, that is an official, or canonical, collection of data, regulations, or writings.
• A book supposedly belonging to the devil and containing the signatures of those in league with him.

Origin

• red + book as a fixed title for various official books from the 15th century, especially the Red Book of the Exchequer, a manuscript volume of the 13th century (OED).