appliance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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?

2. 2
   noun

   The act of applying.

   1658, Elias Ashmole, The Way to Bliss, London: Nath. Brook, Book 2, Chapter 2 “Of Health,” p. 75, […] 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.

3. 3
   noun

   A means of eliminating or counteracting something undesirable, especially an illness.

   […] Diseases desperate grown By desperate appliance are reliev’d, Or not at all.

4. 4
   noun

   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.

5. 5
   noun

   durable goods for home or office use

6. 6
   noun

   a device or control that is very useful for a particular job

Etymology

Recorded since the 1560s. From the English apply + -ance.