mechanic arts

Noun

 * 1)  In the 19th century, engineering and other mechanical fields of expertise (comparable to performing arts and the fine arts).
 * 2)  Weaving, blacksmithing, war, navigation, agriculture, hunting, medicine, and the ars theatrica.

Usage notes
The most famous usage of "mechanic arts" (and the one in which it is most commonly encountered today) is in the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act.

In the medieval period, the Seven Mechanical Arts were intended as a complement to the Seven Liberal Arts, and consisted of weaving, blacksmithing, war, navigation, agriculture, hunting, medicine, and the ars theatrica.

Related terms

 * - probably encompassed the mechanic arts as well as craftsmanship in general.