Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bonfire \Bon"fire`\, n. [OE. bonefire, banefire, orig. a fire of
   bones; bone + fire; but cf. also Prov. E. bun a dry stalk.]
   A large fire built in the open air, as an expression of
   public joy and exultation, or for amusement.

         Full soon by bonfire and by bell, We learnt our liege
         was passing well.                        --Gay.

Source : WordNet®

bonfire
     n : a large outdoor fire [syn: {balefire}]