firearm

[Eng. fire, and arm.] A weapon which projects a mi ile by the explosive force of gunpowder or similar explosive which owes its ex pansion to ignition; as guns, pistols, cannon, ., term is not now generally extended to can non. The first firearms in Europe were cannon. [GUN, MUSKET, PISTOL, RIFLE.] fire-ball, s. [Eng. fire, and ball.] 1. A projectile of oval shape, formed of a sack of canvas filled with a combustible composition; a grenade. Fireballs are thrown into an enemy's works for the purpose of lighting them up, and are loaded with shells to prevent them from being approached. A wrought-iron bottom is attached to the bag to prevent breakage when discharged. 2. In meteorology, a kind of meteor which pa es through the sky in the form of a globe of light without exploding. *fire-bäre, s . beacon, a cre et. [Eng. fire , and bare bear.] A