Meaning

(archaic) mechanical; relating to mechanics or the laws of motion in physics.

Definitions by Sense

1. (archaic) mechanical; relating to mechanics or the laws of motion in physics
2. (archaic) mechanical; precise but lifeless, as if performed by machine
3. (obsolete) Of or relating to a mechanic or artificer, or to the class of artisans; hence, rude; common; vulgar; base.
4. (now chiefly historical) A manual worker; a labourer or artisan.
5. Someone who builds or repairs machinery, a technician; now specifically, someone who works with and repairs the mechanical parts of a motor vehicle, aircraft or similar.
6. A device, method or means; a function.
7. (slang) A hitman.
8. (gambling) A cheat who manipulates the cards or dice.

Example Sentences

[…] these mechanick Philosophers being in no Way able to give an Account thereof from the necessary motion of Matter, unguided by Mind for Ends […]

But, for the unquiet heart and brain, ⁠A use in measured language lies; ⁠The sad mechanic exercise, Like dull narcotics, numbing pain.

Mechanic slaves, With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers.

Authors both Sacred and Profane we see complain of the Level of Learning, with Mechanick Ignorance: [...]

But then they did not wrong themſelves ſo much, / To make a God, a Hero, or a King, / (Stripp'd of his golden Crown and purple Robe) / Deſcend to a Mechanick Dialect, / Nor (to avoid ſuch meanneſs) ſoaring high / With empty ſound, and aiery notions fly; [...]

Sometimes he ply'd the ſtrong mechanic Tool, / Or rear'd the Fabrick from the fineſt Draught; [...]

His noble earnestness, his fidelity, his gallant shielding of her, his generous conquest of his own wrong and his own pride for her sake, are simply honourable, manly, and true. Nothing less worthy can be seen through the lustre of such qualities in the commonest mechanic, nothing less worthy can be seen in the best-born gentleman.

The lower orders were freer than they had ever been – free […] to choose their own lay preachers, mechanics like the rest of the congregation.

Word Forms

• mechanick
• mechanics

Synonyms for mechanic

Related Words

When Should You Use Mechanic?

Use mechanic when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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