[f. as prec.] a. A large hook used in pulling down burning buildings. b. (See quot. 1874).
1467. in Eng. Gilds (1870), 385. That ther be v. fuyre hokes, to drawe at euery thynge wher paryle of fuyre ys in eny parte of the cite.
1585. Higgins, trans. Junius’ Nomenclator, 279. Hama … a firehooke, such as they occupy to pull downe houses set on fire.
1620. Nottingham Rec. (1889), IV. 371. We present the townes fyer hookes to be decayd for want of steales [handles].
1788. Franklin, Autob., Wks. 1887, I. 205. The small fines that have been paid by members for absence at the monthly meetings have been apply’d to the purchase of fire-engines, ladders, fire-hooks, and other useful implements for each company, so that I question whether there is a city in the world better provided with the means of putting a stop to beginning conflagrations.
1812. H. & J. Smith, Rej. Addr., Tale Drury Lane, 89.
| The engines thunder’d through the street, | |
| Fire-hook, pipe, bucket, all complete, | |
| And torches glared, and clattering feet | |
| Along the pavement paced. |
1874. Knight, Dict. Mech., I. 867/2. Fire-hook. (Steam-engineering.) A kind of hook for raking and stirring the furnace fire.
