Word Study
portfire
CIDE DICTIONARY
portfire, n.
A case of strong paper filled with a composition of niter, sulphur, and mealed powder, -- used principally to ignite the priming in proving guns, and as an incendiary material in shells. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
portfire, n. a device for firing rockets, igniting explosives in mining, etc.
Etymology
after F porte-feu f. porter carry + feu fire
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