GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Instrument (?), n. [F. instrument, L. instrumentum. See Instruct.]
   
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   1. That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as, “the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.”
   
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   All the lofty instruments of war. Shak.
   
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   2. A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, “a musical instrument”.
   
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   Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Ps. cl. 4.
   
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   But signs when songs and instruments he hears. Dryden.
   
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   3. (Law) A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc.  Burrill.
   
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   4. One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent; as, “their army was primarily an instrument of oppression”.
   
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   Or useful serving man and instrument,
   
   To any sovereign state. Shak.
   
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   The bold are but the instruments of the wise. Dryden.
   
   Syn. -- Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel; agent.
   
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2.       
   Instrument (?), v. t.
   1. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, “a sonata instrumented for orchestra”.
   
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   2. To furnish or equip with instruments; to attach instruments to; as, “the fighter planes were heavily instrumented; the patient was instrumented to monitor him remotely”.
   
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