Obs.
1. An instrument for stirring or making up a fire.
1413. Lydg., Pilgr. Sowle, III. vii. (1483), 55. With fyre pykes they cast them in the forneis.
1532. Inv., in Noake, Worcester Monast. (1866), 157. Two awndyerns, a fyer pycke.
1563–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 65/1. When this triumphant martyr had beene pressed downe with firepikes.
2. A fire-bearing pike or lance used in sea-fights. Also used as a signal of distress.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks. (Spenser Soc.), 528. The Frigots (as many as could lye about vs) threw firepots in at the Ports, and stucke fire pikes in her sides.
1635. Ld. Lindsey, in Sir W. Monson, Naval Tracts, III. (1704), 335/1. If your Ship should happen to run aground upon any Danger, (which God forbid) you shall shoot four Pieces of Ordnance one a little after the other, if in the night, you shall burn a Fire-Pike.
1644. Prynne & Walker, Fiennes’ Trial, App. 10. They made their often attempts with scaling Ladders, Fire-pickes, Granadoes, and the like, but were beaten off with great losse.
