GRATE, n. L. crates, a grate, a hurdle.

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, To furnish with grates to make fast with cross bars.

GRATE, 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.