Definition of "firebrand" in English

noun

1. (figurative) 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.

2. 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.