subs. (old: now recognised).—See quot. 1696. As adj. = common; vulgar; mean.
1599. SHAKESPEARE, Henry V, i. 1. 200. The poor MECHANIC porters crowding in.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. MECHANIC, a Tradesman; also a mean, inconsiderable, contemptible Fellow.
