EN'GINE, n. [L. ingenium.] 1. In mechanics, a compound machine, or artificial instrument, composed of different parts, and intended to produce some effect by the help of the mechanical powers; as a pump, a windlas, a capstan, a fire engine, a steam engine.2. A military machine; as a battering ram, &c.3. Any instrument; that by which any effect is produced. An arrow, a sword, a musket is an engine of death.4. A machine for throwing water to extinguish fire.5. Means; any thing used to effect a purpose.6. An agent for another; usually in an ill sense.
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