ˈcandle-ˈlighter
[f. candle + lighter.]
1. One who lights candles; spec. an acolyte.
| 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp., Candle-lighter, an officer in the antient church, called also accensor and acolythus. 1853 Ruskin Stones Ven. II. iii. §35. 51 Watching the candle-lighter at his work, knocking his ladder about the heads of the capitals as if they had given him personal offence. |
2. A thing for lighting a candle, etc.; a spill.
| 1855 Mrs. Gaskell North & S. 240 (Hoppe) She knew that her mother slept, from the candle-lighter thrust through the keyhole of her bedroom door. 1859 W. Collins After Dark 67 (Hoppe) A piece of paper, rolled up tight like those candle-lighters that the ladies make. |
So candle-lighting vbl. n.
| 1605 L. Hutten An Answer 80 They washed at table and at candle-lighting. 1784 Maryland Jrnl. 17 Sept. Advt. (Th.), Said School to begin at Candle-lighting, and continue till Nine o'Clock, p.m. 1869 Mrs. Stowe Oldtown Folks xxxiv. 449 Designing to bring up at the red school-house..at ‘early candle-lighting’. 1896 Dialect Notes I. 385 Evenin' meetin' took up at early candle-lightin'. |