FIRE-RAFTS. Timber constructions bearing combustible matters, used by the Chinese to destroy an enemy's vessel.
FIRE-RAILS. See [Rails].
FIRE-ROLL. A peculiar beat of the drum to order people to their stations on an alarm of fire. Summons to quarters.
FIRE-SCREENS. Pieces of fear-nought, a thick woollen felt put round the hatchways in action.
FIRE-SHIP. A vessel filled with combustible materials, and fitted with grappling-irons, to hook and set fire to the enemy's ships. Notwithstanding what is said respecting the siege of Tyre, perhaps the practice of using regular fire-ships ought to be dated from the destruction of the fleet of Basilicus by the victorious Genseric near Carthage.
FIRE-SWAB. The bunch of rope-yarns sometimes secured to the tompion, saturated with water to cool the gun in action, and swab up any grains of powder.
FIRE-WORKS. See [Pyrotechny].
FIRING-PARTY. A detachment of soldiers, marines, or small-arm men selected to fire over the grave of an individual buried with military honours.
FIRMAUN. A Turkish passport.
FIRST. The appellation of the senior lieutenant; also, senior lieutenant of marines, and first captain of a gun.