balefire

American  

[beyl-fahy^uhr] / ˈbeɪlˌfaɪər /

noun

1. a large fire in the open air; bonfire.

2. a signal fire; beacon.

3. the fire of a funeral pile.

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balefire British  

/ ˈbeɪlˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a bonfire

2. a beacon fire

3. a funeral pyre

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Etymology

Origin of balefire

1250–1300; Middle English bal ( e ) fir, equivalent to bale (< Old Norse bāl funeral pyre) + fire fire; replacing Old English bǣlfȳr

Example Sentences

This word was the last which the wise old man harbored in heart ere hot death-waves of balefire he chose.

From Beowulf by Gummere, Francis Barton

The wise old man spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings and bade that ye build, when he breathed no more, on the place of his balefire a barrow high, memorial mighty.

From Beowulf by Gummere, Francis Barton

A single window in the wing gleamed like a balefire in the rays of the setting sun.

From Shapes that Haunt the Dusk by Howells, William Dean

Up to the window the company crowded, and they could see the balefire blazing hotly against the cool light of the moon and the widely sprinkled stars.

From John Splendid The Tale of a Poor Gentleman, and the Little Wars of Lorn by Munro, Neil

It was Hildeburh’s hest, at Hnaef’s own pyre the bairn of her body on brands to lay, his bones to burn, on the balefire placed, at his uncle’s side.

From Beowulf by Gummere, Francis Barton

Related Words

• flare
• lantern
• radar