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

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

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

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

Their warning beams were not withdrawn from foreign vessels; no effort was made to establish the nationality of a ship in distress ere setting portfire to the signal-gun to call out the lifeboat.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)

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