from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Congreve \Con"greve\, 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.]