appliance

Noun

appliance (countable and uncountable, plural appliances)

1. An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially
   • Canst thou, O partial sleep, give thy repose
     To the wet sea-boy in an hour so rude;
     And in the calmest and most stillest night,
     With all appliances and means to boot,
     Deny it to a king?c. 1596–1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Fourth, […]. Epilogue.”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […]...
   • “[…] Oh, the pipe! won’t you have it lit again, father?” said Eppie, lifting that medicinal appliance from the ground.1861, George Eliot [pseudonym; Mary Ann Evans], chapter XVI, in Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe, Edinburgh; London: William Blackwood and Sons, →OCLC
2. A non-manual apparatus or device, powered electrically or by another small motor, used in homes to perform domestic functions (household appliance) and/or in offices.
   • Many house fires are caused by faulty appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.
   • I know I'm artificial
     But don't put the blame on me
     I was reared with appliances
     In a consumer society1978, Poly Styrene, “Art-I-Ficial”, in Germ Free Adolescents, performed by X-Ray Spex
3. An attachment, a piece of equipment to adapt another tool or machine to a specific purpose.
4. (obsolete) The act of applying.
   • […] there be three things, and every one full of under-branches belonging to this Art and way of Healing: The first is knowledge of the Diseases: the second is the Remedies against them: and the third of the appliance of Remedies; All which should be traversed in this Discourse.1658, Elias Ashmole, The Way to Bliss, London: Nath. Brook, Book 2, Chapter 2 “Of Health,” p. 75
   • [T]he attention to fashion, the tasteful appliance of ornament in each portion of her dress, were quite in place with her: […]1849, Currer Bell [pseudonym; Charlotte Brontë], “Whitsuntide”, in Shirley. A Tale. […], volume II, London: Smith, Elder and Co., […], →OCLC, page 127

   Synonyms:

   application

5. (obsolete) A means of eliminating or counteracting something undesirable, especially an illness.
   • […] Diseases desperate grown
     By desperate appliance are reliev’d,
     Or not at all.c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac...
   • Physician. Now I haue found you out, you are in loue.
     Jane. I thinke I am, what your appliance now?
     Can all your Paracelsian mixtures cure it,
     ’T must be a Surgeon of the Ciuill Law,
     I feare that must cure me.1617, Thomas Middleton, William Rowley, A Fair Quarrel, London: I.T, act II, scene 1

   Synonyms:

   cure, medicine, remedy

6. (obsolete, rare) Willing service, willingness to act as someone wishes.
   • And hearing your high majesty is touch’d
     With that malignant cause wherein the honour
     Of my dear father’s gift stands chief in power,
     I come to tender it and my appliance
     With all bound humbleness.c. 1604–1605 (date written), William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...

   Synonyms:

   compliance