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

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

From The Adventures of Akbar by Shaw, Byam

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

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Their warning beams were not withdrawn from foreign vessels; no effort was made to establish the nationality of a ship in distress ere setting portfire to the signal-gun to call out the lifeboat.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

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