† 1. An engine for pumping water to extinguish fire; a fire-engine. Obs.
1677. Sir C. Wyche, in Essex Papers (Camden), II. 128. The water Engines which are used here when fires happen.
1711. in Pall Mall Gaz. (1887), 19 Sept., 14/1. John Oates … is directed by his Lordship to assist with Two Water-Ingines on the first Notice that shall be given him, when any Fire breaks out.
1802. Acerbi, Trav., I. 212. The town has three water-engines, and, in addition to these, the cathedral and academy have six.
2. An engine to raise water; a water-pumping engine.
1685. Phil. Trans., XV. 1254. A Letter, subscribed W. Tenon, concerning Dr. Papin’s new Water-Engine.
1691. Wood, Ath. Oxon., II. 340. Edward Ford … made the great water Engine … for the serving the Inhabitants of the Strand.
1712. J. James, trans. Le Blond’s Gardening, 191. You must have Recourse to Water-Engines, which raise it from the Bottom of Wells, into receiving Cisterns.
1811. J. T., in Risdon’s Surv. Devon, Introd. 20. Mines … which … have some of the most … powerful water engines.
1886. J. Barrowman, Sc. Mining Terms, 71. Water-engine, an engine used exclusively for pumping water.
3. An engine driven by water power or by which water power is applied.
1858. Lardner, Hand-bk. Nat. Phil., 146. Water-engine…. Hydraulic wheels … are by far the most common expedients by which water power is applied.
So † Water-engineer, an official charged with the management of municipal fire-engines.
1711. in Pall Mall Gaz. (1887), 19 Sept., 14/1. The Lord Mayor, to prevent the Calamities that may happen by Fire, has ordered Publick Notice to be given, That John Oates, Water-Ingineer to the Honourable City of Dublin [etc.].
