Page:Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant (1889) by Barrere & Leland.djvu/161

 to leave a white surface exposed, which serves either for a boundary, a landmark, or as a sign to direct travellers. The Algonkin Indians of the north-east blaze trees so as to direct Indians leaving a village; white men make such marks on the other side.

It is used in this sense by the up country Australians.

It also applies to any kind of landmark.

Blaze is an English provincialism for a white spot on a horse's forehead; and blazed is a term applied to a tree when marked for sale.

(General), to blaze away, to fire.

Blaze of triumph (theatrical), a ridiculous hyperbole, invented by the poet Bunn, to indicate a great success and crowded houses. To the initiated this usually signifies a dead failure, and a house crowded with "dead-heads."

Blazer (university), a coloured loose flannel jacket, worn as the uniform of a boating or other club; originally red, but now of the club colours, striped or coloured accordingly. The surplice worn by students in chapel on certain feast or fast days, is described as the blazer of the Church of England. Each club chose a different colour or combination of colours, and these combinations are something sufficiently startling to have originated the appellation.

(Prisons), a jacket worn by convicts.

Blazers (nautical), a term applied to mortar or bomb vessels, from the great emission of flame to throw a 13-inch shell.—Admiral Smyth.