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 The Plowshare and the Sword A Tale of Old Quebec by Trevena, John

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

He snatched the portfire from the sergeant and went toward the gun.

From The Adventures of Akbar by Shaw, Byam

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

Their warning beams were not withdrawn from foreign vessels; no effort was made to establish the nationality of a ship in distress ere setting portfire to the signal-gun to call out the lifeboat.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 Merchantmen-at-arms : the British merchants' service in the war by Bone, David W. (David William)