Also 9 smith-craft. [f. SMITH sb. Cf. OE. smiðcræft.] The work, craft or art of a smith.
In Johnson’s quotation from Raleigh the genuine reading is smiths-craft (see SMITH sb. 2).
1755. in Johnson.
1806. Morning Post, 16 June, 4/2. The beautiful wrought iron gates … are considered by judges as the finest specimen of smithcraft in the metropolis.
1860. Artist & Craftsman, 424–5. If your locks want oiling or picking to pieces, my old smithcraft may stand us in some stead.
1889. P. A. Bruce, Plantation Negro, 233. It is in smithcraft alone that he would have a wide and favorable field.
