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, shoe-maker, etc.; also, a cutter, chisel, or other part of an instrument or machine that dresses work.
2.A machine for cutting or shaping materials; also called machine tool.
3.Hence, any instrument of use or service. "That angry fool... Whipping her horse, did with his smarting tool Oft whip her dainty self."
4.A weapon. (Obs.) "Him that is aghast of every tool."
5.A person used as an instrument by another person; a word of reproach; as, men of intrigue have their tools, by whose agency they accomplish their purposes. "I was not made for a minion or a tool."
...