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.
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.
Hear it pronounced