portfire

British  

/ ˈpɔːtˌfaɪə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of portfire

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

Example Sentences

Hough dropped the first in his shirt, parried a blow from the second, turned and ran back, while old Penfold opened the lantern and brought the flame down to the portfire.

From Project Gutenberg

The portfire touched the vent—there was a discharge that seemed to rend Mr Bags’ heartstrings and blow off the roof of his skull—and the clever speculation on which he had counted for making his fortune ended, like many others, in smoke.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the gunners had a portfire lighted in readiness for firing his gun, but Lieutenant Hills ordered him to refrain, judging from the horsemen's movements that they were a picket of the 9th Irregular Native Cavalry.

From Project Gutenberg

Smith, fearing that Carmichael had failed, sprang forward, match-box in hand; but the portfire exploded just as he reached the gate, and he plunged into the ditch to escape the greater explosion.

From Project Gutenberg

Their warning beams were not withdrawn from foreign vessels; no effort was made to establish the nationality of a ship in distress ere setting portfire to the signal-gun to call out the lifeboat.

From Project Gutenberg