balefire
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun A large fire in the open air; particularly, the fire of a funeral pile.
- noun A beacon- or signal-fire.
Examples
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The brightest beacon of the noughties; have a quiet period of reflection if you can and come back refreshed with a new stock of fuel to keep the balefire burning (but don't be stoking it with any boats behind you; there are hard times ahead).
On Thursday, the Legg report will be published along with...
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The wise old man spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings and bade that ye build, when he breathed no more, on the place of his balefire a barrow high, memorial mighty.
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This word was the last which the wise old man harbored in heart ere hot death-waves of balefire he chose.
Note
The word 'balefire' is a compound of 'bale' (in the sense of 'funeral') and 'fire'.
