Dredge (?), n. [F. drege, dreige, fish net, from a word akin to E. draw; cf. D. dreg, dregge, small anchor, dregnet dragnet. . See Draw.]
1.
Any instrument used to gather or take by dragging; as: (a) A dragnet for taking up oysters, etc., from their beds. (b) A dredging machine. (c) An iron frame, with a fine net attached, used in collecting animals living at the bottom of the sea.
2. Mining
Very fine mineral matter held in suspension in water.
Raymond.
© Webster 1913.
Dredge (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dredged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Dredging.]
To catch or gather with a dredge; to deepen with a dredging machine.
R. Carew.
Dredging machine, a machine (commonly on a boat) used to scoop up mud, gravel, or obstructions from the bottom of rivers, docks, etc., so as to deepen them.
© Webster 1913.
Dredge, n. [OE. dragge, F. drag'ee, dredge, also, sugar plum; cf. Prov. dragea, It. treggea; corrupted fr. LL. tragemata, pl., sweetmeats, Gr. , fr. to gnaw.]
A mixture of oats and barley.
[Obs.]
Kersey.
© Webster 1913.
Dredge, v. t.
To sift or sprinkle flour, etc., on, as on roasting meat.
Beau. & Fl.
Dredging box. (a) Same as 2d Dredger. (b) Gun. A copper box with a perforated lid; -- used for sprinkling meal powder over shell fuses.
Farrow.
© Webster 1913.