chauffer
(ˈtʃɔːfə(r))
[var. of chafer (formerly chaufer), perh. with some influence of mod.F. chauffoir, f. chauffer to heat, chafe. Also found as choffer.]
A metal basket containing fire, formerly used in light-houses; a small portable furnace usually of iron, fitted with air-holes and a grate.
| 1833 Blackw. Mag. 359 Open coal fires, placed in open chauffers, were exhibited to the mariner. 1861 Smiles Engineers II. 224 The lights consisted of coal fires in chauffers. 1871 Carlyle in Mrs. C.'s Lett. I. 179 In a room upstairs, where a chauffer was burning against damp. |
b. Comb., as chauffer-pan.
| 1825 J. Nicholson Operat. Mechanic 452 The workman..carries the contents of the mortar to the first chauffer-pan, where it is heated. |