-automaton-

n.; pl. L. Automata E. Automatons [ L. fr. Gr. &unr_;, neut. of &unr_; self-moving; &unr_; self + a root ma, man, to strive, think, cf. &unr_; to strive. See Mean, v. i. ] 1. Any thing or being regarded as having the power of spontaneous motion or action. Huxley. [ 1913 Webster ]

So great and admirable an automaton as the world. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

These living automata, human bodies. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A self-moving machine, or one which has its motive power within itself; -- applied chiefly to machines which appear to imitate spontaneously the motions of living beings, such as men, birds, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]