Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Machina

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Rich, Anthony (1849). The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary, and Greek lexicon. p. vi. OCLC 894670115. https://archive.org/details/illustratedcompa00rich. 

MA'CHINA (μηχανή). A general term, like our machine, comprising every sort of artificial contrivance invented by men to assist them in their operations, or which is itself made to perform the part of an agent; as for raising or drawing weights (Vitruv. x. 1.); erecting columns (Cic. Verr. ii. 1. 55.); drawing vessels on shore (Hor. Od. i. 4. 2.); discharging missiles (Liv. Sall. &c.); a scaffolding for builders and decorators (Ulp. Dig. xiii. 6. 5. Plin. H. N. xxxv. 37); a stand upon which slaves were exposed for sale (Q. Cic. Pet. Cons. 2.), &c.; all of which are described and illustrated under the special names by which they were designated.