Definition of "waterwork"

waterwork

/ˈwɔːtəˌwəːk/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural waterworks
1. (countable) A machine or mechanism for raising or carrying water.
2. (countable, art) A textile fabric used like tapestry.
3. (countable, uncountable) Some action or activity done on, in, or using water.
4. (uncountable, art) A style of painting executed in distemper or size, on canvas or a wall, intended to resemble a tapestry; (countable) such a painting.
  Quotations
  [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: [...]
  c. 1596–1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, The Second Part of Henrie the Fourth, […], quarto edition, London: […] V[alentine] S[immes] for Andrew Wise, and William Aspley, published 1600, [Act II, scene i]
5. Alternative form of waterworks
  1. (historical) A hydraulic apparatus by which a supply of water is furnished for ornamental purposes; also, an ornamental fountain or waterfall.
  2. (construction, archaic) Engineering works relating to the conveyance and flow of fluids (principally water), such as the collection and distribution of water, drainage, irrigation, etc.