from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Match \Match\ (m[a^]ch), n. [OE. macche, F. m[`e]che, F.
m[`e]che, fr. L. myxa a lamp nozzle, Gr. my`xa mucus,
nostril, a lamp nozzle. Cf. {Mucus}.]
Anything used for catching and retaining or communicating
fire, made of some substance which takes fire readily, or
remains burning some time; esp., a small strip or splint of
wood or cardboard dipped at one end in a substance which can
be easily ignited by friction, as a preparation of phosphorus
or chlorate of potassium.
[1913 Webster]
{Match tub}, a tub with a perforated cover for holding slow
matches for firing cannon, esp. on board ship. The tub
contains a little water in the bottom, for extinguishing
sparks from the lighted matches.
{Quick match}, threads of cotton or cotton wick soaked in a
solution of gunpowder mixed with gum arabic and boiling
water and afterwards strewed over with mealed powder. It
burns at the rate of one yard in thirteen seconds, and is
used as priming for heavy mortars, fireworks, etc.
{Slow match}, slightly twisted hempen rope soaked in a
solution of limewater and saltpeter or washed in a lye of
water and wood ashes. It burns at the rate of four or five
inches an hour, and is used for firing cannon, fireworks,
etc.
[1913 Webster]