Bōn'fire, n.

n. [O. Eng. bonefire, either from Fr. bon, good, and fire, or, acc. to Wedgwood, related to Dan. baun, beacon; a beacon-fire. Cf. W. bon-flāg, a lofty blaze, bonfire, W. ban, high.] A fire made as an expression of public joy and exultation, or for amusement.

Full soon by bonfire and by bell, We learnt our liege was passing well. Gay.