Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Elias Howe (1819-1867): An American inventor best known for his work on early sewing machines and for successfully defending his patent rights against other manufacturers.

Usage

• The name "Elias Howe" is used to refer to the historical figure, particularly in contexts discussing invention, industrial history, or patent law.
• It functions as a proper noun and is typically not used with articles (like 'a' or 'the').

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Elias Howe is often credited with a key innovation in lockstitch sewing.
  • The patent battle between Elias Howe and Isaac Singer is a famous case in business history.
  • We studied the contributions of Elias Howe in our history of technology class.

Advanced Usage

• "The Howe sewing machine": Refers to the machine invented by Elias Howe.
  • The museum displayed an original Howe sewing machine from the 1850s.

Variants and Related Words

• Howe (surname): A common surname; in historical contexts, it can refer to Elias Howe.
• Sewing machine (noun): The device whose development is associated with Elias Howe.

Synonyms

• Inventor: A person who invented a particular process or device.
• Patent holder: A person or entity that owns the legal rights to an invention.

Related Phrases

• "Howe's patent": Refers specifically to the legal rights Elias Howe held.
  • Howe's patent was fundamental to the sewing machine industry's early development.

Noun

1. United States inventor who built early sewing machines and won suits for patent infringement against other manufacturers (including Isaac M. Singer) (1819-1867)