Part 295

In"stru*ment (?), n. [F. instrument, L. instrumentum. See Instruct.]

1. That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.

All the lofty instruments of war.

Shak.

2. A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument.

Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Ps. cl. 4.

But signs when songs and instruments he hears.

Dryden.

3. (Law) A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc. Burrill.

4. One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent.

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

Shak.

The bold are but the instruments of the wise.

Dryden.

Syn. -- Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel; agent.

In"stru*ment (?), v. t. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.

In`stru*men"tal (?), a. [Cf. F. instrumental.]

1. Acting as an instrument; serving as a means; contributing to promote; conductive; helpful; serviceable; as, he was instrumental in conducting the business.

The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth.

Shak.

2. (Mus.) Pertaining to, made by, or prepared for, an instrument, esp. a musical instrument; as, instrumental music, distinguished from vocal music. "He defended the use of instrumental music in public worship." Macaulay.

Sweet voices mix'd with instrumental sounds.

Dryden.

3. (Gram.) Applied to a case expressing means or agency; as, the instrumental case. This is found in Sanskrit as a separate case, but in Greek it was merged into the dative, and in Latin into the ablative. In Old English it was a separate case, but has disappeared, leaving only a few anomalous forms.

Instrumental errors, those errors in instrumental measurements, etc., which arise, exclusively from want of mathematical accuracy in an instrument.

In`stru*men"tal*ist, n. One who plays upon an instrument of music, as distinguished from a vocalist.

In`stru*men*tal"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Instrumentalities (&?;). The quality or condition of being instrumental; that which is instrumental; anything used as a means; medium; agency.