Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GRATE, v.t.² [Fr. gratter, It. grattare, to scratch; Dan. grytter, to grate, to break; Sp. grieta, a scratch, a crevice; W. rhathu, to rub off, to strip, to clear; rhathell, a rasp. See the Shemitic גרד, חרט, חרת and קרד. Class Rd, No. 38, 58, 62, 81. If g is a prefix, this word coincides with L. rado. See Cry.]

1. To rub, as a body with a rough surface against another body; to rub one thing against another, so as to produce a harsh sound; as, to grate the teeth.
2. To wear away in small particles, by rubbing with any thing rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg.
3. To offend; to fret; to vex; to irritate; to mortify; as, harsh words grate the heart; they are grating to the feelings; harsh sounds grate the ear.
4. To make a harsh sound by rubbing or the friction of rough bodies. Milton.