firebrand

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the status quo.

   The member of the college's Communist League was a firebrand who would launch a sit-in or protest march at a moment's notice.

2. 2
   noun

   A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.

   The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed onto the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire.

From Middle English fyr-brand, furbrond, equivalent to fire + brand. Cognate with German Feuerbrand (“firebrand”).

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