"ognevitsa" from "Nezhivoi zver'" by Teffi

[Robert Chandler]

Dear all,

This is from a rather frightening story about a marriage break-up, told from the perspective of a small girl.  Clearly, 'ognevitsa' here means a small stove.  But I would like to know more about the word.  The only dictionary meaning I can find is "likhoradka".  Is little Katya simply using the wrong word?  Or is this a colloquial or dialect usage that isn't widely known?

В детской перед обедом углы делались темнее, точно шевелились. А в углу трещала огневица — печкина дочка, щелкала заслонкой, скалила красные зубы и жрала дрова. Подходить к ней нельзя было: она злющая, укусила раз Катю за палец. Больше не подманит.

All the best,

Robert

Robert Chandler, 42 Milson Road, London, W14 OLD

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