Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EN-GINE, n. [Fr. engin; Sp. ingenio; Port. engenho; Arm. ingin; from L. ingenium; so called from contrivance.]

1. In mechanics, a compound machine, or artificial instrument, composed of different parts, and intended to produce some effect by the help of the mechanical powers; as a pump, a windlas, a capstan, a fire engine, a steam engine.
2. A military machine; as a battering ram, &c.
3. Any instrument; that by which any effect is produced. An arrow, a sword, a musket, is an engine of death.
4. A machine for throwing water to extinguish fire.
5. Means; any thing used to effect a purpose.
6. An agent for another; usually in an ill sense.