balefire Definition
- 1a large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or for celebration
- 2a funeral pyre
Using balefire: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "balefire" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The villagers lit a balefire to celebrate the end of the harvest season.
Example
The king's body was placed on a balefire and burned according to tradition.
Example
The balefire could be seen from miles away, signaling the start of the festival.
Example
The druids lit a balefire to mark the beginning of the new year.
balefire Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with balefire
Example
They decided to light a balefire to celebrate their victory.
Example
In some cultures, a funeral balefire is still used to this day.
an annual celebration in some parts of England on November 5th, commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605
Example
Balefire night is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks in many towns and villages across England.
Origins of balefire
from Old English 'bælfyr' meaning 'funeral fire'
Summary: balefire in Brief
'Balefire' [ˈbeɪlfaɪər] refers to a large outdoor fire that is lighted for celebration or as a signal, or a funeral pyre. It is often used in cultural celebrations and traditions, such as 'balefire night,' an annual celebration in some parts of England. The phrase 'light a balefire' means to start a large outdoor fire, while 'funeral balefire' refers to a large outdoor fire used for burning a dead body as part of a funeral ceremony.
