Obsolete term for the practical use, function, or role of something. Replaced in modern Japanese by words like 使い道, 機能, or 役割.
In old documents, 功用 can refer to the role of a tool.
Modern word for 'role'; 功用 is an obsolete alternative.
Compound of 功 (merit, effect) and 用 (use). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is now obsolete.