Wiktionary
n. 1 (context archaic English) In the 19th century, this referred to engineering and other mechanical fields of expertise (comparable to performing arts and the fine arts). 2 (context archaic English)weaving, blacksmithing, war, navigation, agriculture, hunting, medicine, and the ars theatrica.
Usage examples of "mechanic arts".
Take with you the pupil of bin-Firnas, to report on whatever mechanic arts the savages have been able to learn.
The mechanic arts were encouraged and esteemed, as they tended to satisfy the wants of the Huns.
Their skill in the liberal and mechanic arts, their theological learning, and the decency of their manners, inspired a barren esteem.
The use of duels, or single combats on foot, prevails among them in peace and war: their industry excels in all the mechanic arts.
Sure enough, the Colorado State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts sat on the southern border of Fort Collins.
Those of our men who're at all gifted in the mechanic arts must study and test every machine we find, so that we can learn how to erect force screens and fly and otherwise match our foes.
And as the fire-materials in Stern's sack contained, in germ, all the mechanic arts, so their joint intelligence presaged everything that yet might be.
By the goods you carry, your people grasp the mechanic arts more deeply than my own, however hard we strive to learn.
Mages insisted spyglasses weren't sorcery: only a clever use of the mechanic arts.
I found his mechanic arts to be fascinating and in time I came to appreciate his reasons in the machines he planned, and even hoped that one day I would be able to imitate them.