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(), n.[F. engin skill, machine, engine, L. ingenium natural capacity, invention; in in + the root of gignere to produce. See Genius, and cf. Ingenious, Gin a snare.] 1. (Pronounced, in this sense, .) Natural capacity; ability; skill. [Obs.] A man hath sapiences three, Memory, engine, and intellect also. Chaucer. 2. Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent. Shak. You see the ways the fisherman doth take To catch the fish; what engines doth he make? Bunyan. Their promises, enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of lust. Shak. 3. Any instrument by which any effect is produced; especially, an instrument or machine of war or torture. "Terrible engines of death." Sir W. Raleigh. 4. (Mach.) A compound machine by which any physical power is applied to produce a given physical effect. Engine driver, one who manages an engine; specifically, the engineer of a locomotive. Engine lathe. (Mach.) See under Lathe. Engine tool, a machine too En"gine v. t. 1. To assault with an engine. [Obs.] To engine and batter our walls. T. Adams. 2. To equip with an engine; -- said especially of steam vessels; as, vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another. 3. (Pronounced, in this sense, .) To rack; to torture. [Obs.] Chaucer. スポンサード リンク
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