I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1. : ware (as fittings, trimmings, cutlery, tools, parts of machines and appliances, metal building equipment, utensils) made of metal
2.
a. : firearms
while the men spoke politely … most of them wore hardware — American Guide Series: Arizona
riding up with plenty of hardware in sight — F.B.Gipson
b. : metal items of military equipment for combat use (as ships, guns, tanks, airplanes, and their parts) and major support items (as trucks, jeeps, radar)
II. noun
: the physical components (as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (as a computer) ; broadly : the equipment employed in an activity or undertaking
educational hardware