watch fire

noun

1. a fire maintained during the night as a signal and for providing light and warmth for guards.

watch fire

noun

1. a fire kept burning at night as a signal or for warmth and light by a person keeping watch

Word History and Origins

Origin of watch fire¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Napoleon's watch-fire was kindled behind the old guard, between Reudnitz and Crottendorf.

From Project Gutenberg

Camp Karonya was improving the moonlight night by sitting around a watch-fire, singing and telling stories.

From Project Gutenberg

Plater, benumbed with cold (it is himself who gives us the account), had drawn off his boots to warm his feet at the watch-fire.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a watch–fire, and our foes are waking up to warm themselves and to keep their watch.

From Project Gutenberg

Far away a red point rose and fell in the darkness—a watch-fire of the enemy upon the further shore.

From Project Gutenberg