GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Grenade , n. [F. grenade a pomegranate, a grenade, or Sp. granada; orig., filled with seeds. So called from the resemblance of its shape to a pomegranate. See Carnet, Grain a kernel, and cf. Pomegranate.] (Min.) A hollow ball or shell of iron filled with powder of other explosive, ignited by means of a fuse, and thrown from the hand among enemies.
   1913 Webster
   Hand grenade. (a) A small grenade of iron or glass, usually about two and a half inches in diameter, to be thrown from the hand into the head of a sap, trenches, covered way, or upon besiegers mounting a breach. (b) A portable fire extinguisher consisting of a glass bottle containing water and gas. It is thrown into the flames. Called also fire grenade. -- Rampart grenades, grenades of various sizes, which, when used, are rolled over the pararapet in a trough.
   1913 Webster