Artificer

Ar*tif"i*cer (?), n. [Cf. F. artificier, fr. LL. artificiarius.] 1. An artistic worker; a mechanic or manufacturer; one whose occupation requires skill or knowledge of a particular kind, as a silversmith.

2. One who makes or contrives; a deviser, inventor, or framer. "Artificer of fraud." Milton.

The great Artificer of all that moves.
Cowper.

3. A cunning or artful fellow. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

4. (Mil.) A military mechanic, as a blacksmith, carpenter, etc.; also, one who prepares the shells, fuses, grenades, etc., in a military laboratory.

Syn. -- Artisan; artist. See Artisan.