engineer

{{11}}engineer (n.) early 14c., "constructor of military engines," from O.Fr. engigneor, from L.L. ingeniare (see ENGINE (Cf. engine)); general sense of "inventor, designer" is recorded from early 15c.; civil sense, in reference to public works, is recorded from c.1600. Meaning "locomotive driver" is first attested 1832, Amer.Eng. A "maker of engines" in ancient Greece was a mekhanopoios.

{{12}}engineer (v.) 1843 (but Cf. ENGINEERING (Cf. engineering)), from ENGINEER (Cf. engineer) (n.). Figurative sense of "arrange, contrive" is attested from 1864, originally in a political context. Related: Engineered.