gunpowder hammer

A pile-driver operated by the explosive force of gunpowder. Gunpowder Plot, s. 1. Hist .: A plot, formed in England about A. D. 1604, by Robert Catesby, various Roman Catholics of rank, goaded into excitement by the penal laws directed against their faith and its profe ors, joining as accomplices. Their aim was to blow up the Houses of Parliament by gunpowder on November 5, 1605, and destroy king, lords, and commons by one blow. An anonymous letter of mysterious warning, sent to Lord Mon teagle, having led to the discovery of the plot, various conspirators were executed on January 30 and 31, 1606, and one on May 3 following. Among those put to death was Guy Fawkes, who had been caught in the vault below the House of Lords with matches and touchwood upon his person ready to fire the train. In 1825 this "cellar" was converted into offices. Since 1605 all places connected with the Houses of Lords and Commons where explosives could be stowed away are annually searched at the opening of Parliament. [GUY.] gunpowder-pre , s. A pre for pre ing millcake into hard cake preparatory to granulating. gunpowder-tea, s. Comm.: A kind of green tea, the leaves used for which, generally younger than those for other sorts, are the smallest and most closely curled, so as to constitute small balls or pellets.