appliance

Etymology

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

noun

1. An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:
   1. A non-manual apparatus or device, powered electrically or by another small motor, used in homes to perform domestic functions (household appliance) and/or in offices.
      I know I'm artificial But don't put the blame on me I was reared with appliances In a consumer society 1978, Poly Styrene (lyrics and music), “Art-I-Ficial”, in Germ Free Adolescents, performed by X-Ray Spex
      Many house fires are caused by faulty appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.
   2. An attachment, a piece of equipment to adapt another tool or machine to a specific purpose.
2. (obsolete) 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. (obsolete) A means of eliminating or counteracting something undesirable, especially an illness.
   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. 1617, Thomas Middleton, William Rowley, A Fair Quarrel, London: I.T, act II, scene 1
   c. 1775, Thomas Hull, Moral Tales in Verse, London: George Cawthorn, 1797, Volume 2, “The Advantages of Repentance,” pp. 161-162, With charitable care They rais’d him up, and, by appliance meet, Quicken’d the pulse, and bade it flow anew.
   So low he fell, that all appliances For his salvation were already short, Save showing him the people of perdition. 1867, Dante Alighieri, “The Divine Comedy”, in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, transl., Purgatory, Canto 30
   The wife of the labouring man does rear her children, and often rears them in health, without even so many appliances of comfort as found their way into Mrs. Crawley's cottage; but the task to her was almost more than she could accomplish. 1861, Anthony Trollope, Framley Parsonage
4. (obsolete, rare) Willing service, willingness to act as someone wishes.