FIRE-ARMS. Every description of arms that discharge missiles by gunpowder, from the heaviest cannon to a pistol.
FIRE-ARROWS. Missiles in olden times carrying combustibles; much used in the sea-fights of the middle ages.
FIRE-AWAY. Go on with your remarks.
FIRE-BALL. In meteorology, a beautiful phenomenon seen at times, the origin of which is as yet imperfectly accounted for. It is also the popular name for aërolites in general, because in their descent they appear to be burning.
FIRE-BALLS. Are used for destroying vessels run aground, and firing buildings. They are made of a composition of meal-powder, sulphur, saltpetre, and pitch, moulded into a mass with suet and tow.
FIRE-BARE. An old term from the Anglo-Saxon for beacon.
FIRE-BARS. The range fronting a steam-boiler.
FIRE-BILL. The distribution of the officers and crew in case of the alarm of fire, a calamity requiring judicious conduct.
FIRE-BOOMS. Long spars swung out from a ship's side to prevent the approach of fire-ships, fire-stages, or vessels accidentally on fire.
FIRE-BOX. A space crossing the whole front of the boiler over the furnace doors, opposite the smoke-box.