Dredge \Dredge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dredged; p. pr. & vb. n. Dredging.]

To catch or gather with a dredge; to deepen with a dredging machine. --R. Carew.

Dredging machine, a machine (commonly on a boat) used to scoop up mud, gravel, or obstructions from the bottom of rivers, docks, etc., so as to deepen them.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dredge \Dredge\, n. [OE. dragge, F. drag['e]e, dredge, also, sugar plum; cf. Prov. dragea, It. treggea; corrupted fr. LL. tragemata, pl., sweetmeats, Gr. ?, fr. ? to gnaw.]

A mixture of oats and barley. [Obs.]

--Kersey.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dredge \Dredge\, n. [F. dr[`e]ge, dreige, fish net, from a word akin to E. draw; cf. D. dreg, dregge, small anchor, dregnet dragnet. ????. See Draw.]

1. Any instrument used to gather or take by dragging; as:
   (a) A dragnet for taking up oysters, etc., from their beds.
   (b) A dredging machine.
   (c) An iron frame, with a fine net attached, used in collecting animals living at the bottom of the sea.

2. (Mining) Very fine mineral matter held in suspension in water. --Raymond.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dredge \Dredge\, v. t. To sift or sprinkle flour, etc., on, as on roasting meat. --Beau. & Fl.

Dredging box.
   (a) Same as 2d Dredger.
   (b) (Gun.) A copper box with a perforated lid; -- used for sprinkling meal powder over shell fuses. --Farrow.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)