flare-up n also flirrup. Cp OED ~ 3 naut 'a night-signal' (1858-); EDD flare sb 5 (3) flare-up 'a lighted torch.' A torch; an oil-lamp, esp one used on a 'fishing-stage' when handling and processing fish at night; STAGE LAMP.
   [1865 CAMPBELL 88 The stage, a long low building of fir poles and branches, is perched on the rocks so as to project over the sea... In this long room a number of double-beaked tin lamps hung flaring from the roof.] 1937 DEVINE 22 Flirrup—A stage lamp of large size; a torch.

Go Back