I. ˈgrist noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English grīst; akin to Old English grindan to grind — more at grind
1. obsolete : the act of grinding
2.
a. : grain for grinding
some wheats make better grist than others
b. : a batch of grain taken to a mill for custom grinding
farmers bringing their grists of rye, buckwheat, and wheat to the mill
c. : the product obtained from a grist of grain including the flour or meal and the grain offals (as bran)
3. : crushed or ground malt ready for use in brewing
4.
a. : a large quantity : lot , number
got a grist of lazy kinfolk out that way
you never saw such a grist of washing for three people
b. : a required or usual amount : stint , output
the daily grist of copy
5.
a. : matter of interest or value forming the basis of a story, analysis, or other presentation or that can be assembled into such a basis
consular records and trade-association reports form much of the grist of the foreign market analyst
local news grist collected in police courts and schools
b. : something turned to one's own advantage especially contrary to ordinary expectation by one receiving or having to do with it — used especially in the phrase grist to one's mill
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to grind (grain) especially as a custom operation
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. : the count of a textile fiber or yarn
2. chiefly Scotland : a size of rope
a rope of common grist is 3 inches in circumference with 20 yarns in each of the 3 strands