Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Mechanic

Mechanic , noun

[French mécanique mechanics. See Mechanic, a.]

1.
The art of the application of the laws of motion or force to construction. [Obsolete]
2.
A mechanician; an artisan; an artificer; one who practices any mechanic art; one skilled or employed in shaping and uniting materials, as wood, metal, etc., into any kind of structure, machine, or other object, requiring the use of tools, or instruments. Also, a technician who maintains or repairs machinery; as, an auto mechanic.
An art quite lost with our mechanics. — Sir T. Browne

Mechanic (me*kan"ik) , adjective

[French mécanique, Latin mechanicus, Greek mhchaniko`s, from mhchanh` a machine. See Machine.]

1.
Having to do with the application of the laws of motion in the art of constructing or making things; of or pertaining to mechanics; mechanical; as, the mechanic arts.
These mechanic philosophers. — Ray
Mechanic slaves, With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers. — Shakespeare
2.
Of or pertaining to a mechanic or artificer, or to the class of artisans; hence, rude; common; vulgar.
To make a god, a hero, or a king Descend to a mechanic dialect. — Roscommon
Sometimes he ply'd the strong, mechanic tool. — Thomson
3.
Base. [Obsolete] — Whitlock