fire-eater

[ fahyuhr-ee-ter ]

noun

1. an entertainer who pretends to eat fire.
2. an easily provoked, belligerent person.
3. U.S. History. an early and extreme Southern advocate of secession before the Civil War.

fire-eater

noun

1. a performer who simulates the swallowing of fire
2. a belligerent person

Derived Forms

• ˈfire-ˌeating, nounadjective

Other Words From

• fire-eating adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire-eater¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

This man came out a good, loyal, American citizen; went back a fire-eater.

From Project Gutenberg

Becoming eager and restless on the last day, the "Fire Eater" wounded the white war-party.

From Project Gutenberg

On the morning of the second day the Cheyennes awoke to find the Fire Eater gone, but he had left his horses on their hands.

From Project Gutenberg

This man suspected nothing until the Fire Eater raised his rifle, when he turned away to fly.

From Project Gutenberg

The skin of the little brown bat did not comfort the Fire Eater in his fallen state.

From Project Gutenberg