According to my dictionary, the term "fire-eaters" has been in use since 1672.

At 03:33 PM 11/9/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>I have seen the term "fire-eaters" used in reference to Confederates in the
>war between the states, but was it not also used during the Revolution to
>describe those in favor of American independence?
>
>Regardless, I was wondering if anyone could provide more info regarding the
>origins of this term.

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