fusee

or fu·zee

[ fyoo-zee ]

noun

1. a wooden friction match having a large head, formerly used when a larger than normal flame was needed.
2. a red flare light, used on a railroad as a warning signal to approaching trains.
3. Horology. a spirally grooved, conical pulley and chain arrangement for counteracting the diminishing power of the uncoiling mainspring.
4. fuse ¹( def 1 ).

fusee

/ fjuːˈziː /

noun

1. (in early clocks and watches) a spirally grooved spindle, functioning as an equalizing force on the unwinding of the mainspring
2. a friction match with a large head, capable of remaining alight in a wind
3. an explosive fuse

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusee¹

1580–90; < Middle French fusée spindleful, derivative of Old French fus spindle. See fuse ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusee¹

C16: from French fusée spindleful of thread, from Old French fus spindle, from Latin fūsus

Example Sentences

At the very moment that he did so, the dragoons raised their fusees to their shoulders, and fired at once into the midst of the compact mass of people.

From Project Gutenberg

I have only fusees," he said grandly, "but perhaps they will do.

From Project Gutenberg

When Colonel Allen passed the gate, a sentinel snapped his fusee at him, and then retreated under a covered way.

From Project Gutenberg

Armed with a brace of pistols, a fusee, and a blunderbuss, he fought his assailants away from his windows and the door, through which they had followed the retreating sentinel.

From Project Gutenberg

For night signals not less than two torpedoes, two red fusees, and red and white lanterns.

From Project Gutenberg