the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > [adjective] > live or burning (of coals) (4)
Of a coal: live, burning. Now archaic and rare.
Of something combustible: flaming, glowing, burning. Frequently in live coal.
Of a thing: = living, adj. 4. Cf. also live, adj.1 2 3. Obsolete.
In extended use, of a thing: that appears to be alive; that acts or moves as if alive; animated (cf. lively, adj. 1b); spec. (a) (of water)…