cellar-plate

A worker lifts the cellar-plate to access the coal chute.

Definition

Noun: A "cellar-plate" is a covering or lid, typically made of metal or stone, used to close off the entrance to a cellar, especially a coal cellar.

Usage Examples

• (A metal cover over the coal cellar entrance.)
• (He removed the cover to reach the cellar below.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cellar-plate" as a historical feature: In older urban areas, cellar-plates are often found embedded in sidewalks, marking the location of coal chutes or cellar doors.
  • The Victorian-era cellar-plate was engraved with the initials of the original owner. (A decorative cover from the 19th century.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cellar (n): an underground room, typically used for storage.
  • The wine was kept in the cool cellar. (A room below ground level.)
• Plate (n): a flat, thin piece of metal or other material.
  • The metal plate covered the hole in the floor. (A flat covering.)

Synonyms

• Cover: something that lies on top of or over something else, protecting or hiding it.
• Lid: a removable or hinged cover for the top of a container.

Related Idioms

• "Down to the cellar": an informal phrase meaning to go to a lower level or to access a storage area.
  • He went down to the cellar to fetch some coal. (He descended to the underground storage room.)