n. [ OE. bonefire, banefire, orig. a fire of bones; bone + fire; but cf. also Prov. E. bun a dry stalk. ] A large fire built in the open air, as an expression of public joy and exultation, or for amusement. [ 1913 Webster ]
Full soon by bonfire and by bell,
We learnt our liege was passing well. Gay. [ 1913 Webster ]