from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Grenade \Gre*nade"\, 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]