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

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 Williams, Henry Llewellyn

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 Collett, Herbert Brayley

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 Strang, Herbert

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 Lever, Charles James

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 Barclay of the Guides by Strang, Herbert