[f. name of Lydd in Kent (where this explosive was first tested in England).] A high explosive, chiefly composed of picric acid, and believed closely to resemble MELINITE; used in the manufacture of explosive shells in England.
1888. I. of Wight County Press, 3 Nov., 3/4. Armstrong and Co. … bought the patent from … M. Turpin, who is now personally assisting in the manufacture of Lyddite, the English name for Melinite.
1898. Westm. Gaz., 26 Aug., 7/1. The new Lyddite shell.
1901. Scotsman, 14 March, 7/3. The power of Lyddite has been described by experts … as most destructive in a rocky country.
