n. 1 a mechanical contrivance consisting of several parts working together, esp. as a source of power. 2 a a railway locomotive. b = fire-engine. c = steam engine. 3 archaic a machine or instrument, esp. a contrivance used in warfare. engine-driver the driver of an engine, esp. a railway locomotive. engine-room a room containing engines (esp. in a ship). engined adj. (also in comb.). engineless adj.
[ OF engin f. L ingenium talent, device: cf. INGENIOUS ]