445. _wilde fyr_, fire caused by kindling some inflammable spirit, just as
our modern 'Christmas pudding' or 'mince pie' is surrounded with the flames
of burning brandy. It seems to have been called 'wild fire' as being not
easily extinguishable, like the 'Greek fire' of the middle ages; see Ancren
Riwle, p. 402, and Warton's note, Hist. Eng. Poetry, ed. 1871, ii. 154. In
A. 4172, and E. 2252, it is used, metaphorically, to denote 'erysipelas.'
446. _vessel_, a collective noun, like mod. E. 'plate.' As to minstrelsy at
feasts, see E. 1178, F. 268, &c.