The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Instrument \In"stru*ment\, v. t.
   1. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an
      instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To furnish or equip with instruments; to attach
      instruments to; as, the fighter planes were heavily
      instrumented; the patient was instrumented to monitor him
      remotely.
      [PJC]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Instrument \In"stru*ment\, n. [F. instrument, L. instrumentum.
   See Instruct.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. That by means of which any work is performed, or result is
      effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as,
      the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.
      [1913 Webster]

            All the lofty instruments of war.     --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are
      produced; as, a musical instrument.
      [1913 Webster]

            Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
                                                  --Ps. cl. 4.
      [1913 Webster]

            But signs when songs and instruments he hears.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Law) A writing, as the means of giving formal expression
      to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract,
      process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc. --Burrill.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to
      serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent; as, their army
      was primarily an instrument of oppression.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

            Or useful serving man and instrument,
            To any sovereign state.               --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            The bold are but the instruments of the wise.
                                                  --Dryden.

   Syn: Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel;
        agent.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

instrument
    n 1: a device that requires skill for proper use
    2: the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the
       instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new
       tools to fight disease" [syn: instrument, tool]
    3: a person used by another to gain an end [syn: instrument,
       pawn, cat's-paw]
    4: (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or
       grants some right [syn: legal document, legal instrument,
       official document, instrument]
    5: the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the
       agent uses to perform an action or start a process [syn:
       instrumental role, instrument]
    6: any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to
       produce musical tones or sounds [syn: musical instrument,
       instrument]
    v 1: equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or
         controlling
    2: write an instrumental score for [syn: instrument,
       instrumentate]
    3: address a legal document to

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (19 January 2023):

instrument

    To install devices or instructions into hardware
   or software to monitor the operation of a system or component.

   (1996-05-22)