balefire

noun

bale·​fire ˈbāl-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce balefire (audio)
: an outdoor fire often used as a signal fire

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English bǣlfȳr funeral fire, from bǣl pyre + fȳr fire

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balefire was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near balefire

Cite this Entry

“Balefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balefire. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

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