Ăr·tĭf'ĭ·cer, n.
n. [From the preceding; L. Lat. artificiarius.]
Sense 1. An artist; a mechanic or manufacturer; one whose occupation requires skill or knowledge of a particular kind, as a silversmith or saddler.
Sense 2. One who makes or contrives; an inventor. “Artificer of fraud.” Milton.
The great Artificer of all that moves. Cowper.
Sense 3. A cunning or artful fellow. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
Sense 4. (Mil.) A soldier-mechanic attached to the ordnance, artillery, and engineer service, designed to be employed in the construction and repair of military materials.
Synonyms— Artisan; artist. See ARTISAN.