Etymology

Noun

1. A rapidly spreading fire, often occurring in wildland areas, that is out of control.
2. Greek fire, Byzantine fire.
3. A spreading disease of the skin, particularly erysipelas.
4. Something that acts quickly and uncontrollably.

Quotations

• 1622, Thomas Dekker and Philip Massinger, The Virgin Martyr

  The.     Do not blow,

  The Furnace of a wrath thrice hot already;

  Ætna is in my brest, wildfire burns here,

  Which onely bloud must quench ...

• 1715, Floyer, Edward Baynard, Psychrolousia. Or, the History of Cold Bathing: Both Ancient and Modern

  Where are [...] the Aunts that do as much for their Nieces, and make them caper and sparkle like Wildfire?

• 1715, Francisco de Quevedo, The Visions of Dom Francisco de Quevedo

  I slept very disturbedly, and had a quick high towring Pulse; had strange Flashes in my Blood, like Wild-fire, which I could percieve in my Face, Neck, Breast, and extream Parts.