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A column interrupted on purpose.
Also known as: Smoke signalling, Signal smoke
The signalling method producing distinguishable columns of smoke by interrupting a fire.
Sends a prearranged message by producing interrupted columns of smoke visible at a distance.
Contexts: History
Carries a small number of prearranged meanings rather than an open vocabulary, and popular accounts describing detailed conversations in smoke are not supported by the evidence.
Accounts of detailed messages sent by smoke are not evidenced; the systems documented carry prearranged signals.
Contexts: History
Depends entirely on the weather, since wind disperses the column and the signal with it — a channel that fails exactly when conditions are worst.
Contexts: History
A column of smoke rising from a damped fire, broken into separated puffs by covering and uncovering the fire with a blanket or hide.