portfire

British  

/ ˈpɔːtˌfaɪə /

noun

1. (formerly) a slow-burning fuse used for firing rockets and fireworks and, in mining, for igniting explosives

---

Etymology

Origin of portfire

C17: from French porte-feu, from porter to carry + feu fire

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

portfire

Then Ahmed snatched up the burning portfire that lay on the ground and applied it to the touch-hole.

From Barclay of the Guides by Herbert Strang

Upon this, I hastened to the front, where I found the individual in question kneeling upon the ground, and endeavoring, as far as punch would permit him, to kindle a flame at the portfire.

From Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, Volume 2 by Charles James Lever

There were rockets, and portfire, and a huge bonfire, while the President was serenaded.

From The Lincoln Story Book A Judicious Collection of the Best Stories and Anecdotes of the Great President, Many Appearing Here for the First Time in Book Form by Henry Llewellyn Williams

He snatched the portfire from the sergeant and went toward the gun.

From The Adventures of Akbar by Byam Shaw

Some were ignited by mechanical action and others by match or portfire.

From The 28th: A Record of War Service in the Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I Egypt, Gallipoli, Lemnos Island, Sinai Peninsula by Herbert Brayley Collett