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. chrazzn 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.