01 n. An instrument such as a hammer, saw, plane, file, and the like, used in the manual arts, to facilitate mechanical operations; any instrumen…
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1.
An instrument such as a hammer, saw, plane, file, and the like, used in the manual arts, to facilitate mechanical operations; any instrument used by a craftsman or laborer at his work; an implement; as, the tools of a joiner, smith, shoe-maker, etc.; also, a cutter, chisel, or other part of an instrument or machine that dresses work.
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2.
A machine for cutting or shaping materials; -- also called machine tool. Also: machine tool
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3.
Hence, any instrument of use or service.“That angry fool . . . Whipping her horse, did with his smarting tool Oft whip her dainty self.” — Spenser.
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4.
A weapon.[Obs.]“Him that is aghast of every tool.” — Chaucer.
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5.
A person used as an instrument by another person; -- a word of reproach; as, men of intrigue have their tools, by whose agency they accomplish their purposes.“I was not made for a minion or a tool.” — Burks.