The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Rocket \Rock"et\, n. [It. rocchetta, fr. rocca a distaff, of
   German origin. Named from the resemblance in shape to a
   distaff. See Rock a distaff.]
   1. An artificial firework consisting of a cylindrical case of
      paper or metal filled with a composition of combustible
      ingredients, as niter, charcoal, and sulphur, and fastened
      to a guiding stick. The rocket is projected through the
      air by the force arising from the expansion of the gases
      liberated by combustion of the composition. Rockets are
      used as projectiles for various purposes, for signals, and
      also for pyrotechnic display.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A blunt lance head used in the joust.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. any flying device propelled by the reactive force of hot
      gases expelled in the direction opposite its motion. The
      fuel used to generate the expelled gases in rockets may be
      solid or liquid; rockets propelled by liquid fuels
      typically have a combustible fuel (such as hydrogen or
      kerosene) which is combined inside the rocket engine with
      an oxidizer, such as liquid oxygen. Single liquid fuels
      (called monopropellants) are also known. Since rocket
      engines do not depend on a surrounding fluid medium to
      generate their thrust, as do airplanes with propellers or
      jet engines, they may be used for propulsion in the vacuum
      of space.
      [PJC]

   Congreve rocket, a powerful form of rocket for use in war,
      invented by Sir William Congreve. It may be used either in
      the field or for bombardment; in the former case, it is
      armed with shells or case shot; in the latter, with a
      combustible material inclosed in a metallic case, which is
      inextinguishable when kindled, and scatters its fire on
      every side.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Congreve rocket \Con"greve rock"et\
   See congreve and cf. Rocket.
   [1913 Webster +PJC]