n. & v.
n. 1 a bright flame or fire. 2 a a bright glaring light; the sun set in a blaze of orange. b a full light (a blaze of publicity). 3 a violent outburst (of passion etc.) (a blaze of patriotic fervour). 4 a a glow of colour (roses were a blaze of scarlet). b a bright display (a blaze of glory).
v.intr. 1 burn with a bright flame. 2 be brilliantly lighted. 3 be consumed with anger, excitement, etc. 4 a show bright colours (blazing with jewels). b emit light (stars blazing). blaze away (often foll. by at) 1 fire continuously with rifles etc. 2 work enthusiastically. blaze up 1 burst into flame. 2 burst out in anger. like blazes sl. 1 with great energy. 2 very fast. what the blazes! sl. what the hell! blazingly adv.
[ OE blse torch, f. Gmc: ult. rel. to BLAZE(2) ]