Meaning of waterwork | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A machine or mechanism for raising or carrying water.
   countable
2. A textile fabric used like tapestry.
   countable
3. Some action or activity done on, in, or using water.
   countable, uncountable
4. A style of painting executed in distemper or size, on canvas or a wall, intended to resemble a tapestry; (countable) such a painting.
   uncountable
5. A hydraulic apparatus by which a supply of water is furnished for ornamental purposes; also, an ornamental fountain or waterfall.
   countable, historical, uncountable
6. Engineering works relating to the conveyance and flow of fluids (principally water), such as the collection and distribution of water, drainage, irrigation, etc.
   archaic, countable, uncountable

Examples

“[F]or thy wals a pretty ſleight drollery, or the ſtorie of the prodigal, or the Iarman hunting in waterworke, is worth a thouſand of theſe bed-hangers, and theſe flie bitten tapeſtrie, let it be x. ♇ [i.e., ten pounds] if thou canſt: [...]”

CEFR level