KJV Dictionary Definition: instrument

instrument

IN'STRUMENT, n. L. instrumentum, from instruo, to prepare; that which is prepared.

1. A tool; that by which work is performed or any thing is effected; as a knife, a hammer, a saw, a plow, &c. Swords, muskets and cannon are instruments of destruction. A telescope is an astronomical instrument.

2. That which is subservient to the execution of a plan or purpose, or to the production of any effect; means used or contributing to an effect; applicable to persons or things. Bad men are often instruments of ruin to others. The distribution of the Scriptures may be the instrument of a vastly extensive reformation in morals and religion.

3. An artificial machine or body constructed for yielding harmonious sounds; as an organ, a harpsichord, a violin, or flute, &c., which are called musical instruments, or instruments of music.

4. In law, a writing containing the terms of a contract, as a deed of conveyance, a grant, a patent, an indenture, &c.; in general, a writing by which some fact is recorded for evidence, or some right conveyed.

5. A person who acts for another, or is employed by another for a special purpose, and if the purpose is dishonorable, the term implies degradation or meanness.

instrumental

INSTRUMENT'AL, a. Conducive as an instrument or means to some end; contributing aid; serving to promote or effect an object; helpful. The press has been instrumental in enlarging the bounds of knowledge.

1. Pertaining to instruments; made by instruments; as instrumental music, distinguished form vocal music, which is made by the human voice.

instrumentality

INSTRUMENTAL'ITY, n. Subordinate or auxiliary agency; agency of any thing as means to an end; as the instrumentality of second causes.

instrumentally

INSTRUMENT'ALLY, adv. By way of an instrument; in the nature of an instrument; as means to an end.

1. With instruments of music.

instrumentalness

INSTRUMENT'ALNESS, n. Usefulness, as of means to an end; instrumentality.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
Previous word: instructor. Next word: insurrection.