Tōōl1, n.
n. [A-S. tōl, for tawil, from tawian, to make, prepare; Icel. töl. See TAW.]
Sense 1. An instrument, such as a hammer, saw, plane, file, and the like, used in the manual arts, to facilitate mechanical operations; any instrument used by a craftsman or laborer at his work; an implement; as, the tools of a joiner, smith, shoemaker, &c.; also, a cutter, chisel, or other part of an instrument or machine that dresses work.
☞ In machine-building, a moving tool for cutting is usually called a cutter, as in boring-machines; and a stationary cutting-tool is called a turning-tool, a planing-tool, or a chisel.
Sense 2. Hence, any instrument of use or service.
Did with his smarting tool Oft whip her dainty self. Spenser.
Sense 3. A person used as an instrument by another person;—a word of reproach; as, men of intrigue always have their tools, by whose agency they accomplish their purposes.