Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A fire maintained during the night as a signal, or for the use of a watching party, guard, sentinels, etc.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The watch-fire will be put out at 9: 00 p.m. Saturday, during

    Heroes or Villains? 2010

  • There was no one about, but round the corner was a watch-fire, with a few pandies and bazaar-wallahs round it; I ambled past them, exchanging a greeting, and they didn't do more than give me an idle glance.

    Fiancée 2010

  • On that same January 3, a missive, unknown to Paul and the other watch-fire women, landed on the desk of Senator George Moses of New Hampshire—one that would coincidentally bless their next venture.

    Savage Peace Ann Hagedorn 2007

  • On that same January 3, a missive, unknown to Paul and the other watch-fire women, landed on the desk of Senator George Moses of New Hampshire—one that would coincidentally bless their next venture.

    Savage Peace Ann Hagedorn 2007

  • On that same January 3, a missive, unknown to Paul and the other watch-fire women, landed on the desk of Senator George Moses of New Hampshire—one that would coincidentally bless their next venture.

    Savage Peace Ann Hagedorn 2007

  • For three weeks, beginning early in February, the twenty-six women, all “convicts” now from the watch-fire incident, planned to travel to at least fifteen cities.

    Savage Peace Ann Hagedorn 2007

  • For three weeks, beginning early in February, the twenty-six women, all “convicts” now from the watch-fire incident, planned to travel to at least fifteen cities.

    Savage Peace Ann Hagedorn 2007

  • For three weeks, beginning early in February, the twenty-six women, all “convicts” now from the watch-fire incident, planned to travel to at least fifteen cities.

    Savage Peace Ann Hagedorn 2007

  • Waverley did so, and beheld an outpost of four or five soldiers lying by their watch-fire.

    Waverley 2004

  • The watch-fire was lighted, and fann'd by the breeze,

    Olban, or, the White Captive 1996

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