A lens, by which the rays of the sun may be concentrated on an object, so as to burn it if combustible.

A lens for concentrating the rays of the sun so as to set light to combustible material. Cf. burning-glass, n.

Applied to various articles used in fire or capable of withstanding great heat. An iron or poker used red-hot for lighting a pipe, igniting…

a bottle or vial of phosphorus or other flammable material, used to start a fire or (formerly) as an incendiary weapon (cf. firepot, n. 1).

In plural. North American. Equipment for kindling a fire. Obsolete.

A filter of darkened glass fitted to a sextant, telescope, etc., to reduce the intensity of the sun's light during observation. Now chiefly historical…

The name given by the inventor to a contrivance for obtaining a light instantaneously; see quot. 1827. Also figurative.