portfire

/ (ˈpɔːtˌfaɪə) /

noun

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

Nearby words

porterage, portered, porteress, porterhouse, porterville, portfire, portfolio, portfolio employment, portfolio worker, porthole, porthole die

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