| Congreve | n. [ After Sir William Congreve, the inventor. ] 1. Short for Cogreve rocket, a powerful form of rocket formerly used in war, either in the field or for bombardment. In the former case it was armed with shell, shrapnel, or other missiles; in the latter, with an inextinguishable explosive material, inclosed in a metallic case. It was guided by a long wooden stick. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] 2. Short for
Congreve match, an early friction match, containing sulphur, potassium chlorate, and antimony sulphide. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] |
