This section is from the book "The Home Cyclopedia Of General Information", by Charles Morris. Also available from Amazon: Home Cyclopedia of Necessary Knowledge.
[Low L. a framework of bars.] A set of bars within which the fire burns. In ordinary fire-places most of the heat goes up the chimney, and to prevent this the back and sides of the grate are lined with fire-clay or made of fire-- bricks, which reflect the heat into the room.
 
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