feu de joie

/ fø də ʒwa /

noun

1. a salute of musketry fired successively by each man in turn along a line and back

Word History and Origins

Origin of feu de joie¹

C18: literally: fire of joy

Example Sentences

And the abb snapped both fingers and thumbs in a double-barrelled feu de joie.

From Project Gutenberg

This was a noisy shot—a sort of a feu de joie, that inflicted no wound, and left no scar behind.

From Project Gutenberg

A general feu-de-joie announced the first great success of the campaign; Mayence had been taken, with its garrison of 20,000 men.

From Project Gutenberg

Our feu-de-joie was speedily explained, and the men flocked into the inn.

From Project Gutenberg

The workers gather up what is left of the peeled stalks, and pile them upon the fire which blazes again into a feu de joie.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conflagration