\Bon"fire`\, n. [OE. bonefire, banefire, orig. a fire of
bones; bone + fire; but cf. also Prov. E. bun a dry stalk.]
A large fire built in the open air, as an expression of
public joy and exultation, or for amusement.

      Full soon by bonfire and by bell, We learnt our liege
      was passing well.                        --Gay.