instrument

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the means whereby some act is accomplished

   my greed was the instrument of my destruction

2. 2
   noun

   a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right

   The lawyer was known for writing crafty instruments.

3. 3
   noun

   A device used to produce music.

   The violinist was a master of her instrument.

4. 4
   noun

   A means or agency for achieving an aspect.

   “There the cause of death was soon ascertained ; the victim of this daring outrage had been stabbed to death from ear to ear with a long, sharp instrument, in shape like an antique stiletto, which […] was subsequently found under the cushions of the hansom. […]”

5. 5
   noun

   A measuring or displaying device.

   The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.

6. 6
   noun

   A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.

   The dentist set down his tray of instruments.

7. 7
   noun

   A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.

   A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value.

8. 8
   noun

   A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.

   Or useful serving man and instrument, / To any sovereign state.

Etymology

From Middle English instrument, from Old French instrument, from Latin īnstrūmentum (“an implement, tool”), From īnstruō (“build, construct; arrange”) + -mentum.