EN'GINE, noun [Latin ingenium.] 1. In mechanics, a compound machine, or artificial instrument, composed of different parts, and intended to produce some effect by the help of the mechanical powers; as a pump, a windlas, a capstan, a fire engine a steam engine 2. A military machine; as a battering ram, etc. 3. Any instrument; that by which any effect is produced. An arrow, a sword, a musket is an engine of death. 4. A machine for throwing water to extinguish fire. 5. Means; any thing used to effect a purpose. 6. An agent for another; usually in an ill sense.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI