Me*chan"ic (?), n. [F.
mécanique mechanics. See Mechanic,
a.] 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.
Me*chan"ic (m&esl;*kăn"&ibreve;k),
a. [F. mécanique, L.
mechanicus, Gr. mhchaniko`s, fr.
mhchanh` a machine. See Machine.]
1. Having to do with 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.
