n. 1 a an amorphous form of carbon consisting of a porous black residue from partially burnt wood, bones, etc. b (usu. in pl.) a piece of this used for drawing. 2 a drawing in charcoal. 3 (in full charcoal grey) a dark grey colour. charcoal biscuit a biscuit containing wood-charcoal to aid digestion.
[ ME COAL = charcoal: first element perh. chare turn (cf. CHAR(1), CHAR(2)) ]