The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Crate \Crate\ (kr[=a]t), n. [L. cratis hurdle; perh. akin to E.
   cradle. See Hurdle, and cf. Crate a framework.]
   1. A large basket or hamper of wickerwork, used for the
      transportation of china, crockery, and similar wares.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A box or case whose sides are of wooden slats with
      interspaces, -- used especially for transporting fruit.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

crate \crate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Crated; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Crating.]
   To pack in a crate or case for transportation; as, to crate a
   sewing machine; to crate peaches.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

crate
    n 1: a rugged box (usually made of wood); used for shipping
    2: the quantity contained in a crate [syn: crate, crateful]
    v 1: put into a crate; as for protection; "crate the paintings
         before shipping them to the museum" [ant: uncrate]