1. The art of the application of the laws of motion or force to construction. [Obs.]
2. A mechanician; an artisan; an artificer; one who practices any mechanic art; one skilled or employed in shaping and uniting materials, as wood, metal, etc., into any kind of structure, machine, or other object, requiring the use of tools, or instruments. An art quite lost with our mechanics. Sir T. Browne.
MECHANIC
Me*chan"ic, a. Etym: [F. mécanique, L. mechanicus, Gr. Machine.]
1. Having to do woth the application of the laws of motion in the art of constructing or making things; of or pertaining to mechanics; mechanical; as, the mechanic arts. "These mechanic philosophers." Ray. Mechanic slaves, With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers. Shak.
2. Of or pertaining to a mechanic or artificer, or to the class of artisans; hence, rude; common; vulgar. To make a god, a hero, or a king Descend to a mechanic dialect. Roscommon. Sometimes he ply'd the strong, mechanic tool. Thomson.
3. Base. [Obs.] Whitlock.
MECHANICAL
Me*chan"ic*al, a. Etym: [From Mechanic, a.]
1. Pertaining to, governed by, or in accordance with, mechanics, or the laws of motion; pertaining to the quantitative relations of force and matter, as distinguished from mental, vital, chemical, etc.; as, mechanical principles; a mechanical theory; mechanical deposits.
2. Of or pertaining to a machine or to machinery or tools; made or formed by a machine or with tools; as, mechanical precision; mechanical products. We have also divers mechanical arts. Bacon.
3. Done as if by a machine; uninfluenced by will or emotion; proceeding automatically, or by habit, without special intention or reflection; as, mechanical singing; mechanical verses; mechanical service.