Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—F

Fire-drake

or Fire-dragon. A fiery serpent, an ignis-fatuus of large proportions, superstitiously believed to be a flying dragon keeping guard over hid treasures.

“There is a fellow somewhat near the door, he should be a brazier by his face, for, o' my conscience, twenty of the dog-days now reign in 's nose ... That fire-drake did I hit three times on the head.” —Shakespeare: Henry VIII., v. 3.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Fire-eaters
Fire-brand
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More on Fire-drake from Fact Monster:

  • Fire-drake - Fire-drake or Fire-dragon. A fiery serpent, an ignis-fatuus of large proportions, superstitiously ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: F - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "F"

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