Defn: A harsh sound caused by attrition.
GRATIOLIN
Gra*ti"o*lin, n. (Chem.)
Defn: One of the essential principles of the hedge hyssop (Gratiola officinalis).
GRATIS Gra"tis, adv. Etym: [L., contr. fr. gratiis out of favor or kindness, without recompense, for nothing, fr. gratia favor. See Grace.]
Defn: For nothing; without fee or recompense; freely; gratuitously.
GRATITUDE Grat"i*tude, n. Etym: [F. gratitude, LL. gratitudo, from gratus agreeable, grateful. See Grate, a.]
Defn: The state of being grateful; warm and friendly feeling toward a benefactor; kindness awakened by a favor received; thankfulness. The debt immense of endless gratitude. Milton.
GRATUITOUS
Gra*tu"i*tous a. Etym: [L. gratuitus, from gratus pleasing. See
Grate, a., Gratis.]
1. Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or without claim or merit; not required by justice. We mistake the gratuitous blessings of Heaven for the fruits of our own industry. L'Estrange.
2. Not called for by the circumstances; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground; as, a gratuitous assumption. Acts of gratuitous self-humiliation. De Quincye. — Gra*tu"i*tous*ly, adv. — Gra*tu"i*tous*ness, n.