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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[OE.

bonefire

banefire

, orig. a fire of bones;

bone

fire

; but cf. also Prov. E.

bun

a dry stalk.]

A large fire built in the open air, as an expression of public joy and exultation, or for amusement.

Full soon by

bonfire

and by bell,
We learnt our liege was passing well.

Gay.

Noun.

A fire made as an expression of public joy and exultation.