01 n. A slender, cylindrical body of tallow, containing a wick composed of loosely twisted linen of cotton threads, and used to furnish light.
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1.
A slender, cylindrical body of tallow, containing a wick composed of loosely twisted linen of cotton threads, and used to furnish light.“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.” — Shak.
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2.
That which gives light; a luminary.“By these blessed candles of the night.” — Shak.
Phrases & compounds
Candle nut —
the fruit of a euphorbiaceous shrub (Aleurites triloba), a native of some of the Pacific islands; -- socalled because, when dry, it will burn with a bright flame, and is used by the natives as a candle. The oil has many uses.
Candle power —
illuminating power, as of a lamp, or gas flame, reckoned in terms of the light of a standard candle.
Electric candle —
A modification of the electric arc lamp, in which the carbon rods, instead of being placed end to end, are arranged side by side, and at a distance suitable for the formation of the arc at the tip; -- called also, from the name of the inventor, Jablockoff candle.
Excommunication by inch of candle —
a form of excommunication in which the offender is allowed time to repent only while a candle burns.
Not worth the candle —
not worth the cost or trouble.
Rush candle —
a candle made of the pith of certain rushes, peeled except on one side, and dipped in grease.
Sale by inch of candle —
an auction in which persons are allowed to bid only till a small piece of candle burns out.
Standard candle —
a special form of candle employed as a standard in photometric measurements; usually, a candle of spermaceti so constructed as to burn at the rate of 120 grains, or 7.8 grams, per hour.
To curse by bell, book and candle —
See under Bell.