lucifer match

American  

noun

1. friction match.

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Etymology

Origin of lucifer match

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lucifer match

We were engaged in our last lecture in considering the various methods that have been adopted from early times for obtaining fire, and we left off at the invention of the lucifer match.

From The Story of a Tinder-box by Charles Meymott Tidy

The loss of the dish elicited a series of oaths from Mr. Middleton, who called his daughter such names as "lucifer match," "volcano," "powder mill," and so forth.

From Tempest and Sunshine by Mary Jane Holmes

We found this expedient a very poor substitute for the lucifer match, but it was certainly better than nothing at all.

From My Reminiscences of the Anglo-Boer War by P. Van Breda

"Have you never heard as it ain't all gold as glitters?" said Drayton; and he struck a lucifer match on the top of the mahogany table.

From A Son of Hagar A Romance of Our Time by Sir Hall Caine

To aid me, I lighted a lucifer match, and by its flickering glare I saw right in front of me that beautiful pale face, enclosed as it were in a frame by the little window.

From A Day's Ride A Life's Romance by Charles James Lever