congreve

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

English playwright remembered for his comedies (1670-1729)Synonyms: Congreve William Congreve

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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.]