instrument

Definitions

1. 1.A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument. Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Ps. cl.
2. 2.But signs when songs and instruments he hears. Dryden.
3. 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.
4. 4.One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent. Or useful serving man and instrument, To any sovereign state. Shak. The bold are but the instruments of the wise. Dryden.
5. 5.To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "instrument" mean?
• What is another word for "instrument"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is instrument.

• What is a contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument. Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Ps. cl called?
• What is but signs when songs and instruments he hears. Dryden called?
• What is 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 called?
• What is to perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra called?