from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fuse \Fuse\, n. [For fusee, fusil. See 2d {Fusil}.] (Gunnery,
Mining, etc.)
1. A tube or casing filled with combustible matter, by means
of which a charge of powder is ignited, as in blasting; --
called also {fuzee}. See {Fuze}.
[1913 Webster]
{Fuse hole}, the hole in a shell prepared for the reception
of the fuse. --Farrow.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mil.) a mechanism in a bomb, torpedo, rocket, or
artillery shell, usually having an easily detonated
explosive charge and activated by the shock of impact,
which detonates the main explosive charge. Some fuses may
have timing mechanisms, delaying the explosion for a short
time, or up to several days after impact. Fuses activated
by other mechanisms more sophisticated than impact, such
as proximity or heat, are used in modern weapons such as
antiaircraft or antimissile missiles.
[PJC] Fuse