1. A work or frame, composed of parallel or cross bars, with interstices; a kind of lattice-work, such as is used in the windows of prisons and cloisters.
2. An instrument or frame of iron bars for holding coals, used as fuel, in houses, stores, shops, _c.
GRATE, v.t. To furnish with grates; to make fast with cross bars.
GRATE, v.t. [L. rado.]
1. To rub, as a body with a rough surface against another body; to rub one thing against another, so as to produce a harsh sound; as, to grate the teeth.
2. To wear away in small particles, by rubbing with any thing rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg.
3. To offend; to fret; to vex; to irritate; to mortify; as, harsh words grate the heart; they are grating to the feeling; harsh sounds grate the ear.
4. To make a harsh sound, by rubbing or the friction of rough bodies.
GRATE', v.i. To rub hard, so as to offend; to offend by oppression or importunity.
This grated harder upon the hearts of men.
1. To make a harsh sound by the friction of rough bodies.
GRATE, a. [L. gratus.] Agreeable. [Not in use.]
