(<aum/rt), n. [F. art, L. ars, artis, orig., skill in joining or fitting; prob. akin to E. arm, aristocrat, article.] 1.
The employment of means to accomplish some desired end; the adaptation of things in the natural world to the uses of life; the application of knowledge or power to practical purposes.
[1913 Webster]
-Blest with each grace of nature and of art. Pope.
[1913 Webster]
2.
A system of rules serving to facilitate the performance of certain actions; a system of principles and rules for attaining a desired end; method of doing well some special work; -- often contradistinguished from science or speculative principles; as, the art of building or engraving; the art of war; the art of navigation.
[1913 Webster]
-Science is systematized knowledge . . . Art is knowledge made efficient by skill. J. F. Genung.
[1913 Webster]
3.
The systematic application of knowledge or skill in effecting a desired result. Also, an occupation or business requiring such knowledge or skill.
[1913 Webster]
-The fishermen can't employ their art with so much success in so troubled a sea. Addison.
[1913 Webster]
4.
The application of skill to the production of the beautiful by imitation or design, or an occupation in which skill is so employed, as in painting and sculpture; one of the fine arts; as, he prefers art to literature.
[1913 Webster]
5. pl.
Those branches of learning which are taught in the academical course of colleges; as, master of arts.
[1913 Webster]
-In fearless youth we tempt the heights of arts. Pope.
[1913 Webster]
-Four years spent in the arts (as they are called in colleges) is, perhaps, laying too laborious a foundation. Goldsmith.
[1913 Webster]
6.
Learning; study; applied knowledge, science, or letters. [Archaic]
[1913 Webster]
-So vast is art, so narrow human wit. Pope.
[1913 Webster]
7.
Skill, dexterity, or the power of performing certain actions, acquired by experience, study, or observation; knack; as, a man has the art of managing his business to advantage.
[1913 Webster]
8.
Skillful plan; device.
[1913 Webster]
-They employed every art to soothe . . . the discontented warriors. Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
9.
Cunning; artifice; craft.
[1913 Webster]
-Madam, I swear I use no art at all. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
-Animals practice art when opposed to their superiors in strength. Crabb.
[1913 Webster]
10.
The black art; magic. [Obs.] Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Art and part (Scots Law), share or concern by aiding and abetting a criminal in the perpetration of a crime, whether by advice or by assistance in the execution; complicity.
[1913 Webster]
:
