unˈfired, ppl. a.
[un-1 8.]
1. Not set on fire; unignited.
| 1590 Sir J. Smyth Disc. Weapons 18 b, With the powder next vnto the bullets vnfired. 1623 Massinger Bondman iv. ii, Marullo. We'll right ourselves... Gracculo. And not leave One house unfired. 1664 Evelyn Sylva 102 It is continually to be fed with short and fitting wood, that no part remains unfir'd. 1756 Demi-Rep 14 Chaste as unfired coals they seem. 1781 Phil. Trans. LXXI. 248 No less than 40 large grains of unfired powder were driven through the screen. 1849 James Woodman ix, The abbey itself was still unfired. |
| fig. 1729 T. Cooke Tales, etc. 24 The human Brute, who view'd her Charms unfir'd. a 1788 Earl Nugent Ep. Visct. Cornbury 154 Such gifts she to the happy few imparts,..To heads unfir'd by youth's tumultuous rage. |
2. Not subjected or exposed to fire.
| 1791 Cowper Iliad xxiii. 1092 Then, last, Achilles in the circus placed A pond'rous spear and cauldron yet unfired. 1888 Archaeol. LI. i. 52 These un-fired bricks lasted perfectly well. |
3. Of a gun: Not discharged by firing.
| 1892 Greener Breech-Loader 200 If one barrel is fired repeatedly without discharging the other, it is advisable to take out the unfired cartridge occasionally. 1902 Daily Chron. 16 Apr. 7/6 The starboard gun remained unfired. |