Wood for burning; fuel. Also attrib.
1496. Nottingham Rec., III. 290. Item paid, þe xxvj. day of July, to Richard Symson for brekyng of fire wodde in the owte wodes by þe space of iiij. dayes.
1553. Eden, Treat. Newe Ind. (Arb.), 19. For these Indians haue a tree most excellent aboue all other trees of the world, which bringeth foorth dates lyke vnto the Palme tree. This tree serueth them for firewood: and beareth a kynde of walnuttes most delicate to be eaten: Also a kind of cordes, softe cloth, wine, oyle, and suger.
1602. Fulbecke, 2nd Pt. Parall., 52. And the termor hath house-wood, hedge-wood, and fire-woode belonging to his tearme of common right.
1719. De Foe, Crusoe (1840), I. ix. 143. I placed three large pipkins, and two or three pots, in a pile one upon another, and placed my fire-wood all round it with a great heap of embers under them.
1815. Elphinstone, Acc. Caubul (1842), II. 175. During the day, they issue forth in swarms to search for forage and fire-wood; and at nightfall, these unfrequented valleys resound with the confused voices of the multitude, the bleating and lowing of their flocks and herds, the hoarse roar of the camel, and the shouts and songs of the Naussers.
1889. Evening News, 3 Dec., 4/5. Firewood Cutters.
