Grate (?), a. [L. gratus agreeable,
grateful: cf. It. & Sp. grato. See Grace, and cf. Agree.]
Serving to gratify; agreeable. [Obs.] Sir T.
Herbert.
Grate, n. [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, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Grated; p. pr. &. vb. n.
Grating.] To furnish with grates; to protect with a
grating or crossbars; as, to grate a window.
Grate, v. t. [OF grater to
scrape, scratch, F. gratter, LL. gratare,
cratare; of German origin; cf. OHG. chrazzōn 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.
3. To fret; to irritate; to offend.
News, my good lord Rome . . . grates
me.
Shak.
Grate, v. i. 1. To
make a harsh sound by friction.
I had rather hear a brazen canstick turned,
Or a dry wheel grate on the exletree.
Shak.
2. To produce the effect of rubbing with a
hard rough material; to cause wearing, tearing, or bruising. Hence;
To produce exasperation, soreness, or grief; to offend by oppression
or importunity.
This grated harder upon the hearts of
men.
South.
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