running fire

A constant fire of artillery or musketry; hence, a constant or continred course of anything; as, a running - fire of quest i *running-footman, s. A livery-servant, one or more of whom were formerly kept by noblemen, to run before their carriages and give notice of their approach. It is believed that the Duke of Queens berry, who died in 1810, was the last person in England who employed running footmen. ( Notes and Queries, 2d ser., i. 9.) "Two running-footmen, dre ed in white, with black jockey-caps and long staffs in their hands, headed the train."-Scott: Bride of Lammer moor, ch. xxii. running-gear, s. Vehicle: The entire portion of the vehicle below the bed or body. Specifically, the wheels, axles, perch (if any), hounds, bolsters, and tongue.