Bonfire
/ˈbɒn.faɪər/noun
A large open-air fire used for informal disposal of burnable waste or as part of a celebration.
Did you know?Originally, bonfires were used in ancient Celtic rituals for burning sacrifices, linking them to the divine and the underworld.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
bona fides
“Good faith, an indication of trustworthiness.”
Old French
Old French
bon
“Good; pleasant.”
Middle English
Middle English
bonfire
“A fire made for the burning of bones, often linked to celebrations.”
Modern English
English
bonfire
“A large fire used for disposal or celebration, retaining its positive connotation.”
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