appliances

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: […]...
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.
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

   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...

   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