coal-box

A soldier throws a coal-box to create a smoke screen.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container for storing coal: A "coal-box" is a box or receptacle used to hold coal, typically for domestic heating or cooking purposes.
   • Military slang for a smoke or tear-gas grenade: In historical military usage, "coal-box" was slang for a grenade that produced smoke or tear gas, likely due to its box-like shape or the black smoke resembling coal dust.

Usage Examples

• A container for storing coal:

  • She filled the coal-box with fresh coal from the cellar. (A receptacle for coal used in a stove or fireplace.)
  • The old coal-box sat next to the hearth, empty and forgotten. (A container for coal storage.)

• Military slang for a smoke or tear-gas grenade (archaic):

  • The soldiers threw a coal-box into the trench to obscure their advance. (A smoke grenade used for cover.)
  • During the training exercise, they used a coal-box to simulate chemical warfare. (A tear-gas grenade.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a coal-box": (informal, historical) To possess a container for coal, often implying a household with a coal-fired stove or fireplace.

  • Every Victorian home had a coal-box near the kitchen range. (A standard domestic item.)

• "coal-box" as a metaphor: Occasionally used figuratively to describe something dark, heavy, or soot-covered.

  • His hands were as black as a coal-box after cleaning the chimney. (Extremely dirty with soot.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coal (n): a black or dark-brown combustible mineral used as fuel.

  • We need to buy more coal for the winter. (The raw material stored in a coal-box.)

• Box (n): a container with a flat base and sides.

  • The coal-box is a type of box specifically designed for coal. (A generic container.)

• Coal scuttle (n): a similar container, often with a handle, for carrying coal.

  • She used a coal scuttle to bring coal from the coal-box to the fire. (A related term for a smaller, portable coal container.)

Synonyms

• Coal bin: a storage container for coal, often larger and built into a structure.
• Coal bucket: a small, bucket-like container for carrying coal.
• Coal hod: a metal container with a handle, used for transporting coal.

Related Idioms

• "Carry coal to Newcastle": to do something unnecessary or redundant (Newcastle was a major coal-producing region).

  • Bringing extra coal to the coal-box is like carrying coal to Newcastle. (An unnecessary action.)

• "Black as coal": extremely dark or sooty.

  • After working with the coal-box, his apron was black as coal. (Very dirty.)

Note: The military slang meaning ("smoke grenade") is historical and rare in modern usage; the primary meaning today is the domestic coal container.