GRATE
Grate, a. Etym: [L. gratus agreeable, grateful: cf. It. & Sp. grato.
See Grace, and cf. Agree.]
Defn: Serving to gratify; agreeable. [Obs.] Sir T. Herbert.
GRATE Grate, n. Etym: [LL.. grata, fr. L. crates hurdle; or It. grata, of the same origin. Sae Crate, Hurdle.]
1. A structure or frame containing parallel or crosed bars, with interstices; a kind of latticework, such as is used ia the windows of prisons and cloisters. "A secret grate of iron bars." Shak.
2. A frame or bed, or kind of basket, of iron bars, for holding fuel while burning. Grate surface (Steam, Boiler) the area of the surface of the grate upon which the fuel lies in the furnace.
GRATE
Grate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grated; p. pr. &. vb. n. Grating.]
Defn: To furnish with grates; to protect with a grating or crossbars; as, to grate a window.
GRATE Grate, v. t. Etym: [OF grater to scrape, scratch, F. gratter, LL. gratare, cratare; of German origin; cf. OHG. chrazzon G. kratzen, D. krassen, Sw. Kratta, and perh. E. scratch.]
1. To rub roughly or harshly, as one body against another, causing a harsh sound; as, to grate the teeth; to produce (a harsh sound) by rubbing. On their hinges grate Harsh thunder. Milton.
2. To reduce to small particles by rubbing with anything rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg.