1. 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).
Phrases and idioms:
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!
Derivatives:
blazingly adv.
Etymology: OE bl{aelig}se torch, f. Gmc: ult. rel. to BLAZE(2) 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. a white mark on an animal's face.
2 a mark made on a tree by slashing the bark esp. to mark a route.
--v.tr. mark (a tree or a path) by chipping bark.
Phrases and idioms:
blaze a trail
1. mark out a path or route.
2 be the first to do, invent, or study something; pioneer.
Etymology: 17th c.: ult. rel. to BLAZE(1) 3. v.tr. proclaim as with a trumpet.
Phrases and idioms:
blaze abroad spread (news) about.
Etymology: ME f. LG or Du. blazen blow, f. Gmc bl{aelig}san