1) Etymologically connected with ‘ingenious’, and used regularly for any mechanical contrivance or implement
1299 retia sua et alia ingenia ad piscandum, Eshton. Engine Bridge in Huddersfield was named after the waterworks built there in 1743. When the word is listed without qualification it is impossible to be sure of the exact meaning. In 1692, Robert Nicholls of Sheffield possessed three engines [Ingeon], valued at Ł3, Ł1, and ten shillings
in 1697, Edward Creswick had in his Smithy Chamber An Engine and tooles belonging to it valued at Ł1 10s 0d
in 1713, John Shirtcliffe had 1 Engine 1 Turn 1 foot Glazer 2 Sawse 1 Vice Ł4 and a Draw Engine Worke board and other small Tools 14. 0
in 1722, Robert Tickill of Bridgehouses had 1 Ingin, with furniture in his Work Chamber. Snares to catch small birds and animals were regularly referred to as engines: 1538 with nets and other ingynes, Sandal
1670 with snares, netts and other engynes, South Crosland.