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an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use.
a piece of equipment, usually operated electrically, especially for use in the home or for performance of domestic chores, as a refrigerator, washing machine, or toaster.
the act of ; .
Archaic. a measure; stratagem.
Obsolete, .
to equip with appliances:
a fully applianced kitchen.
Contemporary Examples

It kind of looks like an appliance you would legitimately have in your kitchen.
Easy-Bake Oven Mans Up: Hasbro to Manufacture Boy-Friendly Design Abigail Pesta December 17, 2012

So what, exactly, had happened, how did Proofpoint figure it out, and what should appliance owners around the world do now?
Your Refrigerator Is Vulnerable to a Cyberattack Kevin Epstein January 22, 2014

The animal rescue unit was stood down before it reached Bucklebury and the appliance returned home.
Drama As Kate’s Other Baby Gets Its Head Stuck in Gates Tom Sykes July 18, 2013

Historical Examples

Every appliance of resuscitation known to science was brought into use, but in vain.
The Ordeal Charles Egbert Craddock

The appliance for lifting the bucket was of the most primitive type.
Dwellers in the Hills Melville Davisson Post

This part of the appliance he carries, knapsack fashion, upon his back.
Marvels of Scientific Invention Thomas W. Corbin

This required drills, fuse-powder, and all the appliance of the quarry.
Shadows of Shasta Joaquin Miller

Now that you know the wattage of the appliance, multiply this figure by number of hours the equipment operates in one day.
Electricity for the 4-H Scientist Eric B. Wilson

So does every tool, appliance, and machine we use, and so do all the people with whom we interact.
The Civilization of Illiteracy Mihai Nadin

The appliance is easily put together, and as easily taken apart.
Getting Gold J. C. F. Johnson

noun
a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically
any piece of equipment having a specific function
a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose
another name for a fire engine
n.

1560s, “action of putting into use,” from apply + -ance. Meaning “instrument, thing applied for a purpose” is from 1590s.

appliance ap·pli·ance (ə-plī’əns)
n.
A dental or surgical device designed to perform a therapeutic or corrective function.