Noun

(en noun)

An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the current situation.

The member of the college's Communist League was a firebrand who would launch a sit-in or protest march at a moment's notice.

* {{quote-news, author=(Jesse Jackson), title=In the Ferguson era, Malcolm X’s courage in fighting racism inspires more than ever, work=(The Guardian) (London), date=20 February 2015 citation

, passage=Both Malcolm and King were firebrands . And both were disciplined organisers of people. Malcolm was able to channel the anger of a crowd into action, but then to ensure they did not descend into violence. }}

A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.

The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed on the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire.