Bonfire \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)