instrument
    n 1: a device that requires skill for proper use
    2: the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the
       instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new
       tools to fight disease" [syn: instrument, tool]
    3: a person used by another to gain an end [syn: instrument,
       pawn, cat's-paw]
    4: (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or
       grants some right [syn: legal document, legal instrument,
       official document, instrument]
    5: the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the
       agent uses to perform an action or start a process [syn:
       instrumental role, instrument]
    6: any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to
       produce musical tones or sounds [syn: musical instrument,
       instrument]
    v 1: equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or
         controlling
    2: write an instrumental score for [syn: instrument,
       instrumentate]
    3: address a legal document to

Instrument \In"stru*ment\, v. t.
   1. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an
      instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To furnish or equip with instruments; to attach
      instruments to; as, the fighter planes were heavily
      instrumented; the patient was instrumented to monitor him
      remotely.
      [PJC]

Instrument \In"stru*ment\, n. [F. instrument, L. instrumentum.
   See Instruct.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. That by means of which any work is performed, or result is
      effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as,
      the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.
      [1913 Webster]

            All the lofty instruments of war.     --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are
      produced; as, a musical instrument.
      [1913 Webster]

            Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
                                                  --Ps. cl. 4.
      [1913 Webster]

            But signs when songs and instruments he hears.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Law) A writing, as the means of giving formal expression
      to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract,
      process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc. --Burrill.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to
      serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent; as, their army
      was primarily an instrument of oppression.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

            Or useful serving man and instrument,
            To any sovereign state.               --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            The bold are but the instruments of the wise.
                                                  --Dryden.

   Syn: Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel;
        agent.
        [1913 Webster]

instrument

    To install devices or instructions into hardware
   or software to monitor the operation of a system or component.

   (1996-05-22)

INSTRUMENT, contracts. The writing which contains some agreement, and is so 
called because it has been prepared as a memorial of what has taken place or 
been agreed upon. The agreement and the instrument in which it is contained 
are very different things, the latter being only evidence of the existence 
of the former. The instrument or form of the contract may be valid, but the 
contract itself may be void on account of fraud. Vide Ayl. Parerg. 305; 
Dunl. Ad. Pr. 220. 

INSTRUMENTA. This word is properly applied to designate that kind of 
evidence, which consists of writings not under seal, as court rolls, 
accounts, and the like. 3 Tho. Co. Litt. 487.