chestnut coal

noun

1. anthracite coal in sizes ranging from 1 3/16 to 1 5/8 inches (3 to 4 centimeters).

Word History and Origins

Origin of chestnut coal¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

The largest or lump coal is that which remains upon a riddle having the bars 4 in. apart; the second, or steamboat coal, is above 3 in.; broken coal includes sizes above 2� or 2� in.; egg coal, pieces above 2� in. sq.; large stove coal, 1� in.; small stove, 1 to 1� or 11⁄3 in.; chestnut coal, 2⁄3 to � in.; pea coal, � in.; and buckwheat coal, 1⁄3 in.

From Project Gutenberg

In stationary boilers we find that if we use "pea" and "dust" coal, an extremely thin layer must be used, or the 10 feet of air per foot of gas cannot pass through it; if "chestnut" coal be used, the thickness may be increased somewhat; "stove size" allows a thickness of six inches, and "lump" much thicker, if any wise man could be found who would use that coarse, uneconomical size.

From Project Gutenberg