art The second person singular, indicative mode, present tense, of the substantive verb Be; but formed after the analogy of the plural are, with the ending -t, as in thou shalt, wilt, orig. an ending of the second person sing. pret. Cf. Be. Now used only in solemn or poetical style.()()n.[F. art, L. ars, artis, orig., skill in joining or fitting; prob. akin to E. arm, aristocrat, article.]1. The employment of means to accomplish some desired end; the adaptation of things in the natural world to the uses of life; the application of knowledge or power to practical purposes.()Blest with each grace of nature and of art. (Pope.)2. A system of rules serving to facilitate the performance of certain actions; a system of principles and rules for attaining a desired end; method of doing well some special work; -- often contradistinguished from science or speculative principles; as, the art of building or engraving; the art of war; the art of navigation.()Science is systematized knowledge . . . Art is knowledge made efficient by skill. (J. F. Genung.)3. The systematic application of knowledge or skill in effecting a desired result. Also, an occupation or business requiring such knowledge or skill.()The fishermen can't employ their art with so much success in so troubled a sea. (Addison.)4. The application of skill to the production of the beautiful by imitation or design, or an occupation in which skill is so employed, as in painting and sculpture; one of the fine arts; as, he prefers art to literature.()5. Those branches of learning which are taught in the academical course of colleges; as, master of arts.()In fearless youth we tempt the heights of arts. (Pope.)Four years spent in the arts (as they are called in colleges) is, perhaps, laying too laborious a foundation. (Goldsmith.)6. Learning; study; applied knowledge, science, or letters.()So vast is art, so narrow human wit. (Pope.)7. Skill, dexterity, or the power of performing certain actions, acquired by experience, study, or observation; knack; as, a man has the art of managing his business to advantage.()8. Skillful plan; device.()They employed every art to soothe . . . the discontented warriors. (Macaulay.)9. Cunning; artifice; craft.()Madam, I swear I use no art at all. (Shak.)Animals practice art when opposed to their superiors in strength. (Crabb.)10. The black art; magic.(Shak.)Art and part (Scots Law), share or concern by aiding and abetting a criminal in the perpetration of a crime, whether by advice or by assistance in the execution; complicity.()()In America, literature and the elegant arts must grow up side by side with the coarser plants of daily necessity. (Irving.)()