The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fuse \Fuse\, n. [For fusee, fusil. See 2d Fusil.] (Gunnery,
   Mining, etc.)
   1. A tube or casing filled with combustible matter, by means
      of which a charge of powder is ignited, as in blasting; --
      called also fuzee. See Fuze.
      [1913 Webster]

   Fuse hole, the hole in a shell prepared for the reception
      of the fuse. --Farrow.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Mil.) a mechanism in a bomb, torpedo, rocket, or
      artillery shell, usually having an easily detonated
      explosive charge and activated by the shock of impact,
      which detonates the main explosive charge. Some fuses may
      have timing mechanisms, delaying the explosion for a short
      time, or up to several days after impact. Fuses activated
      by other mechanisms more sophisticated than impact, such
      as proximity or heat, are used in modern weapons such as
      antiaircraft or antimissile missiles.
      [PJC] Fuse