Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Mechanism
1.
The arrangement or relation of the parts of a machine; the parts of a machine, taken collectively; the arrangement or relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an effect;
as, the
mechanism
of a watch; the mechanism
of a sewing machine; the mechanism
of a seed pod.3.
Mechanical operation or action.
He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by
mechanism
or accident. Bentley.
4.
(Kinematics)
An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.
Webster 1828 Edition
Mechanism
MECH'ANISM
,Noun.
1.
Action of a machine, according to the laws of mechanics.