Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Greek Fire.

 Greek Cross.Greek Gift (A). 
CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
 
Greek Fire.
 
A composition of nitre, sulphur, and naphtha. Two steeped in the mixture was hurled in a blazing state through tubes, or tied to arrows. The invention is ascribed to Callini’cos, of Heliop’olis, A.D. 668.   1
   A very similar projectile was used by the Federals in the great American contest, especially at the seige of Charleston.   2
 


 Greek Cross.Greek Gift (A). 

 

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