ancient fire-making; flame; rob with torches
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
fire made by focusing sunlight with a bronze mirror or similar device
archaicAn ancient method of kindling fire, primarily of historical or cultural interest.
In eras lacking flint, ancient people sometimes used fire made by focusing sunlight.
This technique for obtaining fire is recorded in ancient texts.
noun
fire with visible flame; open flame
neutralContrasts with '暗火' (smoldering fire or embers without visible flame). Common in safety warnings and technical contexts.
Open flames are prohibited in the kitchen.
The flame of a candle is a typical open flame.
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At the bonfire party, everyone sang songs around the open fire.
verb
to rob or commit a crime while openly carrying torches or lights
archaicUsed historically to describe blatant, brazen robbery without concealment. Often part of the fixed phrase '明火执仗'.
This gang of robbers audaciously carried out a robbery with torches, their arrogance was extreme.
In ancient times, the idiom 'ming huo zhi zhang' (to carry torches and weapons openly) was often used to describe banditry.