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Instrument   /ˈɪnstrəmənt/   Listen
noun
Instrument  n.  
1.
That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments. "All the lofty instruments of war."
2.
A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument. "Praise him with stringed instruments and organs." "But signs when songs and instruments he hears."
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.
4.
One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent; as, their army was primarily an instrument of oppression. "Or useful serving man and instrument, To any sovereign state." "The bold are but the instruments of the wise."
Synonyms: Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel; agent.


verb
Instrument  v. t.  
1.
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
2.
To furnish or equip with instruments; to attach instruments to; as, the fighter planes were heavily instrumented; the patient was instrumented to monitor him remotely.





Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48


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"Instrument" Quotes from Famous Books



... had not only done that in his wrath, but had unbuckled his leathern garter, fit instrument for strife and blood, and peradventure would have smitten, had not the knight, with magisterial ...
— Citation and Examination of William Shakspeare • Walter Savage Landor
... grew up vigorously, quick-witted, looking out into the world with clear eyes, and though somewhat rude like his countrymen, yet gifted with senses fully alive to the beauties of nature and the harmonies of voice and instrument. ...
— The Life and Times of Ulric Zwingli • Johann Hottinger
... American. The friends of Major Andre (and it appears that all who knew him were his friends) will look with a jealous eye on the Poem, whose principal incident is the sad catastrophe which his misconduct, in submitting to be an instrument in a transaction of treachery and deceit, justly brought upon him: but these friends have no cause of offence; the Author has adorned the poetical character of Andre with every virtue; he has made him his Hero; to ...
— Andre • William Dunlap
... ditty. The Wren songs, entitled The Window, were privately printed by Sir Ivor Guest in 1867, were set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan, and published by Strahan in December 1870. "A puppet," Tennyson called the song-book, "whose only merit is, perhaps, that it can dance to Mr Sullivan's instrument. I am sorry that my puppet should have to dance at all in the dark shadow of these days" (the siege of Paris), "but the music is now completed, and I am bound by my promise." The verses are described as "partly in the old style," but the true old style ...
— Alfred Tennyson • Andrew Lang
... the defence of their homes, have failed to assist the Ameer in the formation and maintenance of that indispensable instrument—an organized, well-equipped, easily mobilized army. In regular battle the Afghans can have but little hope of success; their strength lies in the petty warfare peculiar to a wild, mountainous country. As auxiliaries, as partisan troops in their own country, ...
— Afghanistan and the Anglo-Russian Dispute • Theo. F. Rodenbough


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