Definition of "petroleur"

Caution was necessary in moving about, the pavement had to be avoided, as the impression conveyed to the mind of the sentry, if he saw anyone near a house, was that it must be a petroleur or a petroleuse.

1872, John Furley, Struggles and Experiences of a Neutral Volunteer

In times like these one is tempted to turn into a petroleur.

1877, quoted in 1990, Walter Boehlich, The Letters of Sigmund Freud to Eduard Silberstein, 1871-1881#

The work of the incendiaries of 1792 was only to be finished by the petroleurs of 1871. Night was come. A great number of the Parisian population were groaning, but the revolutionists triumphed with joy.

2018, Imbert De Saint-Amand, Marie Antoinette and the Downfall of Royalty, page 167