Fire-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 July, ¶ 8. We have twice as many fire-skreens as chimneys, and three flourished quilts for every bed.

1824.  Scott, St. Ronan’s, xxii. A couple of her ladyship’s drawings, made up into fire-screens.

1833.  N. Armott, 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. 1. A fire-guard or fender. 2. A screen to place between a person and the fire to intercept the direct rays.

  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.