The Collaborative International Dictionary
Beacon \Bea"con\ (b[=e]"k'n), n. [OE. bekene, AS. be['a]cen, b[=e]cen; akin to OS. b[=o]kan, Fries. baken, beken, sign, signal, D. baak, OHG. bouhhan, G. bake; of unknown origin. Cf. Beckon.]
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A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning.
No flaming beacons cast their blaze afar.
--Gay. A signal, such as that from a lighthouse, or a conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners.
A high hill near the shore. [Prov. Eng.]
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That which gives notice of danger.
Modest doubt is called The beacon of the wise.
--Shak. -
(Navigation) a radio transmitter which emits a characteristic signal indication its location, so that vehicles may determine their exact location by locating the beacon with a radio compass; -- also called radio beacon.
5. [fig.] that which provides guidance or inspiration; the Constitution has been a beacon for civil rights activists.
Beacon fire, a signal fire.
WordNet
n. a fire (usually on a hill or tower) that can be seen from a distance [syn: beacon]
Usage examples of "beacon fire".
The oval of the castle lay eastward, with the great beacon fire atop the tower on the motte.
But I was not ready for the sight that met my eyes as the enemy advanced into the glare of the beacon fire.
Arriving at the outset of the battle, he had watched from a safe location, high in the mountains, near the beacon fire and its flame.
It will become a beacon fire, and all Britain will be illumined by the blaze.
Kindan, whose duties had been stretched to include manning the beacon fire, saw the dragon and waved excitedly at it as it performed its antics and disappeared.