To fire up, to grow irritated or angry. "He . . . fired up, and stood
vigorously on his defense." Macaulay.
Fire"arm` (-‰rm`), n. A gun, pistol, or any weapon from which a shot is
discharged by the force of an explosive substance, as gunpowder.
Fire"back` (?), n. (Zoˆl.) One of several species of pheasants of the
genus Euplocamus, having the lower back a bright, fiery red. They
inhabit Southern Asia and the East Indies.
Fire"ball` (?), n. (a) (Mil.) A ball filled with powder or other
combustibles, intended to be thrown among enemies, and to injure by
explosion; also, to set fire to their works and light them up, so that
movements may be seen. (b) A luminous meteor, resembling a ball of fire
passing rapidly through the air, and sometimes exploding.
Fire"bare` (?), n. A beacon. [Obs.] Burrill.
Fire" bee`tle (?). (Zoˆl.) A very brilliantly luminous beetle
(Pyrophorus noctilucus), one of the elaters, found in Central and South
America; -- called also cucujo. The name is also applied to other
species. See Firefly.
Fire"bird` (?), n. (Zoˆl.) The Baltimore oriole.
Fire"board` (?), n. A chimney board or screen to close a fireplace when
not in use.
Fire"bote` (?), n. (O. Eng. Law) An allowance of fuel. See Bote.
Fire"brand` (?), n. 1. A piece of burning wood. L'Estrange.
2. One who inflames factions, or causes contention and mischief; an
incendiary. Bacon.
Fire"crack`er (?), n. See Cracker., n., 3.
Fire"crest` (?), n. (Zoˆl.) A small European kinglet (Regulus
ignicapillus), having a bright red crest; -- called also fire-crested
wren.
Fire"dog` (?), n. A support for wood in a fireplace; an andiron.
Fire"drake` (?), n. [AS. frdraca; fr fire + draca a dragon. See Fire,
and Drake a dragon.] [Obs.] 1. A fiery dragon. Beau. & Fl.