portfire

noun

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

Nearby words

Word Origin for portfire

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Examples from the Web for portfire

There were rockets, and portfire, and a huge bonfire, while the President was serenaded.
The Lincoln Story Book|Henry L. Williams
He handed the portfire to Corporal Burgess, who was shot dead before he could light the fuse.
Barclay of the Guides|Herbert Strang
He snatched the portfire from the sergeant and went toward the gun.
The Adventures of Akbar|Flora Annie Steel
Some were ignited by mechanical action and others by match or portfire.
The 28th: A Record of War Service in the Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I|Herbert Brayley Collett

Carmichael took the portfire and had just lighted the fuse, when he received a mortal wound.
Barclay of the Guides|Herbert Strang