firebrand

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.

   • The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed onto the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire.
   • […] he filled all their throats with it, so that those poor wretches were by it made to cough like foxes, crying, Ha, Pantagruel, how how thou addest greater heat to the firebrand that is in us.
   • He that is inebriated with passion is unfit for any action; like Samson's foxes, he scattereth firebrands abroad, to the hurt of all that are near him.
2. 2

   An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary

   An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the status quo.

   • The member of the college's Communist League was a firebrand who would launch a sit-in or protest march at a moment's notice.
   • Both Malcolm and King were firebrands. And both were disciplined organisers of people. Malcolm was able to channel the anger of a crowd into action, but then to ensure they did not descend into violence.

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