> <<While the motor (or is it an engine?)..>>

...Aw shucks....

Etymologically----An "engine" is a clever mechanical contrivance---hence
"hoisting engines", "rose engines", "winding engines", "pumping engines",
"vernier engines", "difference engines" and Lycoming engines, etc. It is
closely related to both "ingenious" and of course "engineer".

The only quibble is that "engine" is a very broad term. "Motor" is a much
more specific
\Motor, n. [Latin. Motorius] Device for causing or setting up motion;
 Definition:   \Mo"tor\, n. [L., fr. movere, motum, to move.] that which,
imparts motion;
a source of  mechanical power.

So that whilst all motors are engines, not all engines are motors.

Regards,
Eric M. Jones
www.PerihelionDesign.com
113 Brentwood Drive
Southbridge MA 01550-2705
Phone (508) 764-2072
Email: emjones@charter.net