Word Study
[2x]
: Pâ Pæ Pè Pé Pœ P- P. P/ P< Pa Pb Pc Pd Pe Pf Ph Pi Pj Pk Pl Pm Pn Po Pp Pr Ps Pt Pu Pv Pw Px Py
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
For further exploring for "portfire" in Webster Dictionary Online