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hangfire

American  
[hang-fahyuhr] / ˈhæŋˌfaɪər /

noun

  1. a delay in the detonation of gunpowder or other ammunition, caused by some defect in the fuze.


Etymology

Origin of hangfire

First recorded in 1890–95; hang + fire


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

They, too, were nervous about hangfire, the unstable snow left along the edges of an avalanche’s path that can release at any moment.

From New York Times ● Dec. 20, 2012

June Allyson and Robert Walker on a hangfire honeymoon.

From Time Magazine Archive

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