The compound word 'stylebook' is a modern English formation that transparently combines two ancient roots. The first element, 'style', originates from Latin stilus, a writing instrument, which by metonymy came to signify the characteristic manner of expression in writing or design. The second element, 'book', descends from the Proto-Germanic bōks, related to the beech tree on which runes were carved, evolving to mean a compiled set of written sheets. The logic of the compound is direct: a 'stylebook' is literally a book that codifies a specific style, extending the concept from mere physical writing tools to an authoritative collection of standards for presentation and form.

Structure: style (manner) + book (volume) - style: From Latin stilus (a pointed instrument for writing, manner of writing). Functional role: The core semantic root, indicating a distinctive manner or form. - book: From Old English bōc (a written document, volume). Functional role: The head noun, indicating a physical or conceptual collection of information.