Definition of "fusee" [fu•see]

• A friction match with a large head capable of burning in a wind. (noun)
• A colored flare used as a warning signal for trucks and railroad trains. (noun)
• A cone-shaped pulley with a spiral groove, used in a cord- or chain-winding clock to maintain even travel in the timekeeping mechanism as the force of the mainspring lessens in unwinding. (noun)
• A combustible fuse for detonating explosives. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The use of such a fusee is in every way superior to the method of producing ignition by platinum wire, which involves a great waste of electric power."
• "Indiana Harbor Belt RR switchman, demonstrating signal with a 'fusee' -"
• "[54] The fusee was a fire-lock musket with an immense bore, from which either slugs or balls could be shot, although not with any great degree of accuracy."