— tooler , n. — toolless , adj.
/toohl/ , n.
1. an implement, esp. one held in the hand, as a hammer, saw, or file, for performing or facilitating mechanical operations.
2. any instrument of manual operation.
3. the cutting or machining part of a lathe, planer, drill, or similar machine.
4. the machine itself; a machine tool.
5. anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose: Education is a tool for success.
6. a person manipulated by another for the latter's own ends; cat's-paw.
7. the design or ornament impressed upon the cover of a book.
8. Underworld Slang.
a. a pistol or gun.
b. a pickpocket.
9. Slang ( vulgar ). penis.
v.t.
10. to work or shape with a tool.
11. to work decoratively with a hand tool.
12. to ornament (the cover of a book) with a bookbinder's tool.
13. to drive (a vehicle): He tooled the car along the treacherous path.
14. to equip with tools or machinery.
v.i.
15. to work with a tool.
16. to drive or ride in a vehicle: tooling along the freeway.
17. tool up , to install machinery designed for performing a particular job: manufacturers tooling up for production.
[ bef. 900; ME (n.); OE tol; c. ON tol tools; akin to TAW 2 ]
Syn. 1. TOOL, IMPLEMENT, INSTRUMENT, UTENSIL refer to contrivances for doing work. A TOOL is a contrivance held in and worked by the hand, for assisting the work of (especially) mechanics or laborers: a carpenter's tools. An IMPLEMENT is any tool or contrivance designed or used for a particular purpose: agricultural implements. An INSTRUMENT is anything used in doing a certain work or producing a certain result, especially such as requires delicacy, accuracy, or precision: surgical or musical instruments.
A UTENSIL is especially an article for domestic use: kitchen utensils. When used figuratively of human agency, TOOL is generally used in a contemptuous sense; INSTRUMENT, in a neutral or good sense: a tool of unscrupulous men; an instrument of Providence.