Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Match \Match\, n. [OE. macche, F. m[`e]che, F. m[`e]che, fr. L.
   myxa a lamp nozzle, Gr. ? mucus, nostril, a lamp nozzle. Cf.
   {Mucus}.]
   Anything used for catching and retaining or communicating
   fire, made of some substance which takes fire readily, or
   remains burning some time; esp., a small strip or splint of
   wood dipped at one end in a substance which can be easily
   ignited by friction, as a preparation of phosphorus or
   chlorate of potassium.

   {Match box}, a box for holding matches.

   {Match tub}, a tub with a perforated cover for holding slow
      matches for firing cannon, esp. on board ship. The tub
      contains a little water in the bottom, for extinguishing
      sparks from the lighted matches.

   {Quick match}, threads of cotton or cotton wick soaked in a
      solution of gunpowder mixed with gum arabic and boiling
      water and afterwards strewed over with mealed powder. It
      burns at the rate of one yard in thirteen seconds, and is
      used as priming for heavy mortars, fireworks, etc.

   {Slow match}, slightly twisted hempen rope soaked in a
      solution of limewater and saltpeter or washed in a lye of
      water and wood ashes. It burns at the rate of four or five
      inches an hour, and is used for firing cannon, fireworks,
      etc.