ˈfire-screen
1. A movable screen, whether hanging, standing, or for use with the hand, to intercept the heat of the fire.
| 1758 Johnson Idler No. 13 ¶8 We have twice as many fire-screens as chimneys. 1824 Scott St. Ronan's xxii, A couple of her ladyship's drawings, made up into fire-screens. 1833 N. Arnott Physics II. 44 In our drawing-rooms it is common to have plate-glass fire-screens, which, while they allow the light to pass, defend the face from the heat. |
2. A wire frame placed in front of a fire to keep back sparks, falling cinders, etc.; a fire-guard.
| 1874 Knight Dict. Mech. I. 871/1 Fire-screen. |
3. Naut. (see quot.)
| 1815 Falconer's Marine Dict. (ed. Burney) 436 s.v. Screen, Fire-screens are pieces of fearnought..hooked round the magazine passages, and also round the hatchways, where it is necessary to pass the powder. 1867 in Smyth Sailor's Word-bk. |