portfire
- (formerly) a slow-burning fuse used for firing rockets and fireworks and, in mining, for igniting explosives
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Word Origin
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
Historical Examples
Shortly after this signal of portfire they sent up a rocket from the barque.
My Danish Sweetheart., Volume 1 of 3William Clark Russell
There were rockets, and portfire, and a huge bonfire, while the President was serenaded.
The Lincoln Story BookHenry L. Williams
He snatched the portfire from the sergeant and went toward the gun.
The Adventures of AkbarFlora 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. IHerbert Brayley Collett
Carmichael took the portfire and had just lighted the fuse, when he received a mortal wound.
Barclay of the GuidesHerbert Strang