egg coal

American  

noun

1. anthracite in sizes ranging from 2.44 to 3.25 inches (6.2 to 8.3 centimeters), intermediate between broken coal and stove coal.

2. bituminous coal in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches (4 to 10 centimeters).

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Etymology

Origin of egg coal

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

The Red Rock Coal Co. reply that they will offer egg coal for shipment at the rate of two cars per week throughout the year, at $1.15 per net ton, cars f.o.b. mines.

From Project Gutenberg

The Arlington Coal Co. write that the Red Rock Coal Co. may send a one year contract drawn in triplicate for three cars of egg coal per week at $1.12½ per net ton, cars f.o.b. mines.

From Project Gutenberg

The Arlington Coal Company, Old Colony Building, Chicago, Ill., write to the Red Rock Coal Company, Auburn, Ill., saying that they need several cars of egg coal per week throughout the year.

From Project Gutenberg

Presently, instead of a furnace full of fire, I had a furnace full of egg coal.

From Project Gutenberg

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