D defs.my
Menu ☰
Entry 11 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Art

/(ärt)/ · IPA /ɑɹt/
01 The second person singular, indicative mode, present tense, of the substantive verb Be; but formed after the analogy of the plural are, wit…
  1. 1.
    The second person singular, indicative mode, present tense, of the substantive verb Be; but formed after the analogy of the plural are, with the ending -t, as in thou shalt, wilt, orig. an ending of the second person sing. pret. Cf. Be. Now used only in solemn or poetical style. See: Be, Be
02 n. The employment of means to accomplish some desired end; the adaptation of things in the natural world to the uses of life; the application …
  1. 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.
    “Blest with each grace of nature and of art.” — Pope.
  2. 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.
    “Science is systematized knowledge . . . Art is knowledge made efficient by skill.” — J. F. Genung.
  3. 3.
    The systematic application of knowledge or skill in effecting a desired result. Also, an occupation or business requiring such knowledge or skill.
    “The fishermen can't employ their art with so much success in so troubled a sea.” — Addison.
  4. 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.
  5. 5.
    Those branches of learning which are taught in the academical course of colleges; as, master of arts.
    “In fearless youth we tempt the heights of arts.” — Pope.
    “Four years spent in the arts (as they are called in colleges) is, perhaps, laying too laborious a foundation.” — Goldsmith.
  6. 6.
    Learning; study; applied knowledge, science, or letters.[Archaic]
    “So vast is art, so narrow human wit.” — Pope.
  7. 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.
  8. 8.
    Skillful plan; device.
    “They employed every art to soothe . . . the discontented warriors.” — Macaulay.
  9. 9.
    Cunning; artifice; craft.
    “Madam, I swear I use no art at all.” — Shak.
    “Animals practice art when opposed to their superiors in strength.” — Crabb.
  10. 10.
    The black art; magic.[Obs.]
    “In America, literature and the elegant arts must grow up side by side with the coarser plants of daily necessity.” — Irving.
Phrases & compounds
Art and part — 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.
Syn. Science; literature; aptitude; readiness; skill; dexterity; adroitness; contrivance; profession; business; trade; calling; cunning; artifice; duplicity. See Science.