appliance

noun

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

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?”

   ““[…] Oh, the pipe! won’t you have it lit again, father?” said Eppie, lifting that medicinal appliance from the ground.”

2. An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:

   “Many house fires are caused by faulty appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.”

   “I know I'm artificial But don't put the blame on me I was reared with appliances In a consumer society”

3. An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:
4. 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.”

   “[T]he attention to fashion, the tasteful appliance of ornament in each portion of her dress, were quite in place with her: […]”

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

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

   “Physician. Now I haue found you out, you are in loue. Jane. I thinke I am, what your appliance now? Can all your Paracelsian mixtures cure it, ’T must be a Surgeon of the Ciuill Law, I feare that must cure me.”

6. 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.”