a. Obs. Also 6 artyfyciouse. [a. F. artificieux:—L. artificiōs-us, f. artificium: see ARTIFICE and -OUS.]
1. Displaying art or constructive skill.
1530. Palsgr., 305/2. Artyfyciouse, full of great crafte and workemanshyp, artificieux.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 174. The most proper artificious and workemanlike instruments.
1659. Hammond, On Ps. cxxxix. 6–12. The closest and most artificious recess.
2. Factitious, affected.
1655. J. Jennings, Elise, 59. The artificious disdain, the affected scorn of this damosel.
3. Cunning, artful.
1655. J. Jennings, Elise, 58. That makes known to the artificious Amazon what she knew already.
1679. Oates, Myst. Iniq., 4. As Subtil and Artificious a Device, as ever yet the World brought forth.
