quick-match
A quick-burning match used for firing cannon, igniting fire-works, shells, etc., consisting of cotton-wick soaked in a composition of gum, spirits, water, and gunpowder.
| 1765 R. Jones Fireworks ii. 66 Quick-match is generally made of such cotton as is put in candles. 1803 Wellington Let. to Col. Stevenson in Gurw. Desp. (1837) II. 418 A shell or two..having in them a bit of quick match, besides the fuse. 1847 Alb. Smith Chr. Tadpole xxxviii. (1879) 324 Any family wrong acted like a quick-match amongst them all. |
| attrib. 1802 James Milit. Dict. s.v. Laboratory, Stores for a Fire-ship of 100 tons..Quick-match barrels 1. |