Sewing-machine

(-so ing.) (Mech.) A mechanical contrivance by means of which the sewing of cloth is performed by an ingenious arrangement of machinery. S. M. are of several kinds, and are sufficiently well known and appreciated. Invented by one Elias Howe, a mechanic of Ma achusetts, he obtained apa tent for his discovery in 1841, and realized a large fortune thereby. S.M. are largely exported from the U. States to Europe, where they have become in almost as common demand and use as in the country where they originated. [s. 817]