candlen.
/ˈkand(ə)l/ 1. † c. as used at a sale by auction: see Phrases 4.
a. A source of artificial light, consisting of a usually cylindrical body of wax, tallow, spermaceti, or other solid fat, formed round a wick of cotton or flax, formerly also, of the pith of a rush.Candles are distinguished according to the method of manufacture, as dipped or mould candles, by the material employed, or by some other peculiarity, as Paris candle, royal candle, etc. The word is also used without plural as a name of material, as in a piece of candle, an inch of candle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun]
candlea700
taperc897
ruff1440
taper-light1577
planet1843
a700 Erfurt Gloss. (O.E.T.) 382 Emunctoria, candelthuist.
a800 Corpus Gloss. 745 Emunctoria, candeltwist.
c1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 154 Lampas, candeles leoma.
a1154 Anglo-Saxon Chron. anno 1140 Me lihtede candles to æten bi.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. 290 Þat chyld heo bete so stronge myd þe condlen long & towe.
1386 G. Chaucer Wife of Bath's Prol. 334 A nigard that wol werne A man to light a candel at his lanterne.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) viii. xvi. 322 A glasse sette byfore a candle receuyth lighte of a candil.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 35 Is like to hym that lighteth acandelle to another.
1579 in Turner Rec. Oxford 402 A pound of the best cotton candells.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iii. ii. 97 This Candle burnes not cleere, 'tis I must snuffe it, Then out it goes. View more context for this quotation
1662 Earl of Orrery Coll. State Lett. (1743) I. 117 To provide fire and candle.
1708 Brit. Apollo 15–17 Dec. Why should a Rush Candle burn longer than a Cotten one?
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker I. 148 Ten mould kandles, that had scarce ever been lit.
1851 W. P. Snow Jrnl. Arct. Seas iv. 46 Very little candle was required below at night.
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits xii. 205 No candle or fire is ever lighted in the Bodleian.
b. In religious or superstitious use.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > artefacts > consumables > candle or light > [noun]
taperc897
ciergec1300
candlea1400
trindle1537
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 20701 Gas þan wit fair processiun..Wit cirges and wit candel bright.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 48 Wil þu offir a candil þat þu geyt merit & grace?
1554 Woodde Dial. D j in Brand's Pop. Antiq. Great Brit. (1870) I. 27 Wherefore serveth holye Candels? To light up in thunder, and to bless men when they lye a dying.
1561 Bp. J. Pilkington True Rep. Burnyng Poules I We shuld bear our Candel at her [sc. the Virgin's] Churching at Candlemas.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Chandelle There was for euery Saint his candle.
1824 W. Irving Tales of Traveller II. 101 A votive candle placed before the image of a saint.
1866 A. Trollope Belton Estate I. i. 27 Captain Aylmer was member for Perivale on the Low Church interest... He could say a sharp word or two..about vestments; he was strong against candles [i.e. the use of candles on the altar or communion-table in Anglican churches].
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > selling > a public sale > [noun] > auction > candle used at auction
candle1662
1662 S. Pepys Diary 3 Sept. (1970) III. 185 After dinner..we met and sold the..Hulke. Where pleasant to see how backward men are at first to bid; and yet when the candle is going out, how they bawl.
1690 Records E. Ind. Comp. Mr. Thorowgood to manage the Company's Candle at the Sale.
d. A standard spermaceti candle formerly used as a unit of illuminating power: hence candle power; frequently called international candle. Also, with prefixed numeral, = candle power n. at Compounds 2. Replaced as a unit of luminous intensity by the new candle (see quot. 1937) = candela n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun] > unit of illumination > standard candle
standard candle1850
candle1866
candle power1877
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > intensity of light, luminosity > [noun] > degree of intensity
intensity1794
candle1866
Lambert1895
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > made from animal fat > made from whale blubber > used as a unit of illuminating power
candle1866
the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun] > unit of illumination > candela
new candle1938
candela1950
cd1950
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > intensity of light, luminosity > [noun] > unit of light intensity
lux1889
lumen1898
L1915
Lambert1915
phot1917
new candle1938
candela1950
cd1950
rayleigh1956
1860 Act 23 & 24 Vict. c. 125 §25 The Quality of the Common Gas..shall be..such as to produce..a Light equal in Intensity to the Light produced by not less than Twelve Sperm Candles.]
1866 H. E. Roscoe Lessons Elem. Chem. ix. 84 The cannel gas is said to be equal to 34·4 candles.
1875 R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler Ure's Dict. Arts (ed. 7) II. 553 10,500 cubic feet of 25-candle gas to the ton.
1880 J. W. Urquhart Electr. Light 279 A 2,000-candle light.
1880 J. W. Urquhart Electr. Light 282 A hundred-candle Sugg gas-burner.
1883 Harper's Mag. Feb. 482/1 One hour's light of two-thousand candle-power.
1917 Trans. Illum. Engin. Soc. 12 440 Candle, the unit of luminous intensity maintained by the national laboratories of France, Great Britain and the United States... This unit, which is used also by many other countries, has..been referred to as the international candle.
1937 Com. Internat. Poids & Mesures XVIII. 216 L'adoption d'une nouvelle définition de l'unité d'intensité lumineuse... Le Comité se rallie á la proposition d'appeler ‘bougie nouvelle’ l'unité qui vient d'être définie.]
1938 Light & Lighting XXXI. 186/1 The initiation of the new international candle, based upon..a primary standard of light (one-sixtieth of the luminous intensity of one square centimetre of a black body maintained at the temperature of solidification of platinum)... Laboratories are preparing groups of lamps to be measured in terms of the new candle, which is to come into operation in 1940.
e. An arrangement of carbons in an electric light.
ΚΠ
1877 Design & Work 3 20 M. Paul Jablochkoff..has worked out his results in the form of an electric candle.
1882 J. Dredge Electr. Illumination I. 530 When a candle is almost entirely burnt out, the voltaic arc and the incandescent portion of the carbons are brought into very close proximity to the strip.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > [noun]
candle937
lightOE
starsc1225
ballc1300
bodya1398
celestinec1430
heavenly bodya1475
luminair1477
luminary1489
streamer1513
host or hosts of heaven1535
globe1555
orb1565
sphere1598
planet1640
superstar1910
937 Anglo-Saxon Chron. Glad ofer grundas Godes condel beorht.
OE Beowulf 1572 Hadre scineð rodores candel.
c1374 G. Chaucer Compl. Mars 7 Loo yonde the sunne the candel of Ialosye.
1596 R. Linche Certaine Sonnets in Diella sig. C8 Hee that can count the candles of the skie.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iii. v. 9 Nights candles are burnt out. View more context for this quotation
1630 Bp. J. Hall Occas. Medit. §xlix What a cold Candle is lighted vp in the body of this sorry Worme.
a. That which illuminates the mind.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > scholarly knowledge, erudition > enlightenment > [noun] > source of
luminarya1450
candlea1533
thorough light1598
lumen siccum1605
a1533 J. Frith Mirroure (?1536) i. sig. Aiv Yet wyll I sette you vpon a candell whych shall..clerely dyspell hys myste and vayne poetrye.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 1937/2 We shall this day lyght such a candle by Gods grace in England, as (I trust) shall neuer be put out.
a1619 S. Daniel Coll. Hist. Eng. (1634) 2 Since the candle of letters gave us some little light therof.
b. The ‘light’ of life.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > vital principle > [noun]
souleOE
lifeOE
spiritusOE
bloodOE
ghostOE
life and soulOE
quickship?c1225
quicknessc1230
breatha1300
spirita1325
spark1382
naturec1385
sparkle1388
livelinessa1398
rational soula1398
spiracle1398
animal spirit?a1425
vital spiritc1450
soul of the world1525
candle1535
fire1576
three souls1587
vitality?1592
candlelight1596
substance1605
vivacity1611
animality1615
vividity1616
animals1628
life spring1649
archeus1651
vital1670
spirituosity1677
springs of life1681
microcosmetor1684
vital force1702
vital spark (also flame)1704
stamen1718
vis vitae1752
prana1785
Purusha1785
jiva1807
vital force1822
heartbeat1828
world-soul1828
world-spirit1828
life energy1838
life force1848
ghost soul1869
will to live1871
biogen1882
ki1893
mauri1897
élan vital1907
orgone1942
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Job xxi. 17 How oft shal the candle of ye wicked be put out.
1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 ii. vi. 1 Heere burnes my candell out.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) v. v. 22 Out, out, breefe Candle, Life's but a walking Shadow. View more context for this quotation
1642 T. Fuller Holy State i. ii. 6 Her candle was put out, as soon as the day did dawn in S. Augustine.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 175.
4. transferred.† b. A bougie; a suppository. Obsolete.
a. A preparation containing resinous or aromatic substances for diffusion during burning; a pastil. medicated candle n. (see quots.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > fragrance > [noun] > fragrant substance or perfume > incense
rechelseOE
storc1000
incensec1290
censea1382
guma1382
olibanuma1398
thus1398
frankincensea1400
frank14..
thurec1425
mascle thure?1440
olibanc1440
smoke1530
perfume1542
masculine frankincense1555
tacamahac1577
cayolac1588
masculine gum1604
candle1628
pastille1630
Spanish coal1631
incense-frank1633
thymiama1697
censery1823
punk1844
joss-stick1845
god-stick1874
the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > other miscellaneous medicines > [noun] > medicines to be burnt, smoked, or inhaled
suffite1621
suffiment1650
vaporary1657
cigarette1876
medicated candle1880
inhalation1882
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > fragrance > [noun] > fragrant substance or perfume > perfume used medicinally
pomander1492
pomea1522
suffite1621
suffiment1650
medicated candle1880
1628 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy (ed. 3) i. iii. iii. 201 Perfumes, suffumigations, mixt candles, perspectiue glasses, and such naturall causes.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. (at cited word) Medicinal Candles, candelæ fumales, are compositions of odoriferous, aromatic, and inflammable matters, as benzoin, storax..formed into masses in shape of candles. The effluvia and odours whereof when burnt, are supposed to be salutary to the breast.
1880 New Sydenham Soc. Lexicon Medicated candle, a candle containing some drug for diffusion during burning..Mercurial candle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > suppositories, etc. > [noun]
pessarya1400
suppositorya1400
supposta1500
suppositor1540
collyrie1600
nascal1640
searching candle1651
candle1684
gland1684
collyrium1748
1684 tr. T. Bonet Guide Pract. Physician xix. 839 Suppositories are made round like Candles..whence they call them Candles from the similitude.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. Candles for caruncles of the urinary passage.
1881 New Sydenham Soc. Lexicon Candela, bougie.]
c. Mucus pendulous at the nose.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretions > mucus excreted > [noun]
collop1589
sneezings1607
exsufflation1666
sputum1684
sixpence1773
candle1858
1858 ‘G. Eliot’ Amos Barton ii, in Scenes Clerical Life I. 50 The inveterate culprit was a boy of seven, vainly contending against ‘candles’ at his nose by feeble sniffing.
d. Christmas candle n. at Christmas n.1 and int. Compounds 2, Roman candle n.
e. The inflorescence or panicle of a horse chestnut tree. in candle: of a chestnut tree, in flower.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > tree or shrub groups > horse-chestnut tree and allies > [noun] > inflorescence
candle1920
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > edible nuts or nut-trees > [adverb] > in flower (of chestnut tree)
in candle1954
1920 E. Sitwell Wooden Pegasus 48 The chestnut-candles flicker.
1938 T. H. G. Stevens Trees & Shrubs in my Garden vii. 118 The Common Horse Chestnut from Albania is one of the finest flowering trees with its great candles of white flowers in May.
1954 ‘C. Dane’ Flower Girls l. 448 ‘Horse-chestnuts... The leaf prints off like a horse-shoe,’ said Ernest, adding that the tree ‘in candle’ was the most beautiful sight.
1968 C. P. Snow Sleep of Reason (1969) xxxviii. 357 In a public garden the candles stood bright on the flowering chestnuts.
1983 P. Mortimer Handyman vi. 55 A huge horse-chestnut bearing a thousand candles hung over Slattery's wall.
Phrases
P1. candle, book, and bell: see bell n.1 8.
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 17110 Curced in kirc þan sal þai be wid candil, boke, and bell.
1840 R. H. Barham Jackdaw of Rheims in Ingoldsby Legends 1st Ser. 220 The Cardinal rose with a dignified look, He call'd for his candle, his bell and his book.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > exorcism > perform exorcism [verb (intransitive)]
to set (also light, proffer) a candle before or to the devil?1463
the world > the supernatural > supernatural being > evil spirit or demon > [verb (intransitive)] > perform exorcism
to set (also light, proffer) a candle before or to the devil?1463
society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > evildoing or wrongdoing > do evil or wrong [verb (intransitive)]
misdoOE
lithera1300
malignc1425
to do (also play the) naught1594
to hold a candle to the devil1598
?1463 R. Cutler in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 260 A man must sumtyme set a candel be-for þe Deuyll.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. x. sig. Ciiiv I therby fearyng She wolde spit her venym, thought it not euyll To set vp a candell before the deuyll.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 61 Thou maist find ease, so proffring vp a candell to the deuill.
1598 J. Marston Certaine Satyres in Metamorph. Pigmalions Image 45 A damn'd Macheuelian. Holds candle to the deuill for a while, That he the better may the world beguile.
1649 J. Howell Preheminence Parl. 20 According to the Italian Proverb, That one must sometimes light a candle to the Devil.
c1670 Lady Abergavenny in R. Mansell Narr. Popish Plot 12 She could not endure to hear it, but yet was forced to hold a Candle to the Devil.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth II. 213 Here have I been holding a candle to the devil, to show him the way to mischief.
P3. to hold a candle to another: literal to assist him by holding the candle while he works; hence, to help in a subordinate position. not to be able or fit to hold a candle to: not fit to hold even a subordinate position to, nothing to be compared to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > aid, help, or assist [verb (transitive)] > help as subsidiary > act as assistant to
to hold a candle to another1550
second1588
associate1626
support1886
1550 R. Crowley Way to Wealth sig. Aiiv Dise playars..(that..haue nothynge to playe for)..holde the candle to them that haue wherewyth, and wyll sette lustily to it.
1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late i. 22 Driuen..when I am worst forst to holde the candle.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. vi. 41 Lor. Descend, for you must be my torch-bearer. Ies. What, must I hold a candle to my shames. View more context for this quotation
1614 T. Adams Diuells Banket v. 225 Let Plato then, hold the candle to Moses.
1641 E. Dering Foure Cardinall-vertues Carmelite-fryar ii. 43 Though I be not worthy to hold the candle to Aristotle.
a1763 J. Byrom Misc. Poems (1773) I. 344 Others aver that he to Handel Is scarcely fit to hold a candle.
1883 W. E. Norris No New Thing I. vii. 175 Edith is pretty, very pretty; but she can't hold a candle to Nellie.
P4. to sell (also let) by the candle, by inch of candle, etc.: to dispose of by auction in which bids are received so long as a small piece of candle burns, the last bid before the candle goes out securing the article; hence in many figurative and transferred uses. Cf. auction n. 3.This appears to have been a custom adopted from the French; cf. Littré, also Cotgrave, at Chandelle.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > selling > a public sale > sell by public sale [verb (transitive)] > sell by auction > sell by specific type of auction
to sell (also let) by the candle1680
1680 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1883) I. 287 The new marked ground..was lett by inch of candle in the towne hall.
a1682 Sir T. Browne Let. to Friend (1690) 8 Mere pecuniary Matches, or Marriages made by the Candle.
1694 E. Phillips tr. J. Milton Lett. of State 73 The Council thinks it meet to propose the way of selling by Inch of Candle, as being the most probable means to procure the true value of the Goods.
1695 J. Collier Misc. upon Moral Subj. 49 To give Interest a Share in Friendship, is in effect to sell it by Inch of Candle.
1700 Act 11 & 12 Will. III in London Gaz. No. 6129/1 All such Goods..shall be sold at publick Sale by the Candle.
1797 E. Burke Lett. Peace Regic. France iv, in Wks. IX. 84 Where British faith and honour are to be sold by inch of candle.
1825 W. Hone Every-day Bk. (1826) I. 837 Four acres..are let by inch of candle.
1851 Notes & Queries 15 Nov. 383 Forty or fifty years ago goods were advertised for public sale by the candle.
ΚΠ
1604 S. Hieron Preachers Plea in Wks. (1620) I. 504 If that bee commendation..for a mans labours to smell of the candle. (Cf. [see lamp n.1]. )
P6. the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candle: i.e. not worth the mere cost of supplying the necessary light (cf. 1550 at Phrases 3); not worth the labour expended.Of French origin: cf. Cotgrave at Chandelle ‘Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle, it will not quit cost’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > be of no importance [phrase]
forcec1330
no wardc1330
no strength1340
no forcec1369
no mattera1466
what force?a1513
no skill1575
what matter?1678
the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candlea1699
nix my dolly1795
what the hell1872
a1699 W. Temple Ess. Health & Long Life in Miscellanea: 3rd Pt. (1701) 119 Perhaps the Play is not worth the Candle.
1712 W. Darrell Gentleman Instructed: 3rd Pt. vi. 160 After all, these discoveries are not worth the Candle.
1874 P. Bayne in Contemp. Rev. Oct. 706 The game would not be worth the candle.
1883 D. C. Murray Hearts xviii The game didn't seem worth the candle.
P7. to light (also burn) the candle at both ends: to consume or waste in two directions at once.Cf. Cotgrave ‘Brusler la chandelle par lex deux bouts’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > relinquishing > squandering or prodigality > squander or be prodigal [verb (intransitive)]
waste1390
lasha1560
squander1593
to play the prodigal1602
outlash1611
wanton1646
to light (also burn) the candle at both ends1736
extravagate1871
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > using up, expending, or consuming > be used up or consumed [verb (intransitive)] > consume in two ways at once
to light (also burn) the candle at both ends1736
1736 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum (ed. 2) (at cited word) The Candle burns at both Ends. Said when Husband and Wife are both Spendthrifts.
1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea II. xlii. 281 Apt to light their candle at both ends; that is to say, they are apt to consume too much, and work too little.
1848 C. Kingsley Saint's Trag. iii. i. 140 To double all your griefs, and burn life's candle, As village gossips say, at either end.
P8. lighted candle: put symbolically for a place of social gathering or entertainment.
ΚΠ
1928 W. Paget Linings of Life I. 248 Lady G. Codrington's silver hair and dowagery face appeared under every lighted candle.
P9. Various phrases obvious in meaning.
ΚΠ
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia i. sig. Biv Set furth the brightnes of the sonne wyth a candell, as the Prouerbe sayth.
1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 23v I burnt one candle to seeke another, & lost bothe my time and my trauell, when I had done.
1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha iii. iv. 361 I shal but set a Candle in the Sunshine.
1658 J. Rowland Topsell's Hist. Four-footed Beasts (rev. ed.) New Ded. Ep. sig. A3v Another Physitian, lighting his Candle by the former lights, succeeded them in this great undertaking.
1676 M. Clifford Treat. Humane Reason in Phenix (1708) II. 532 Men grope in the dark that light not their Candle at ours.
1728 E. Young Love of Fame: Universal Passion (ed. 2) vii. 97 How commentators each dark passage shun, And hold their farthing candle to the sun.
1873 E. Bulwer-Lytton Kenelm Chillingly viii. vii Slothfully determined to hide his candle under a bushel [cf. Matt. v. 15].
Compounds
C1. General relations:
a. Attributive.
(a)
candle-dish n.
ΚΠ
1899 Pall Mall Mag. Jan. 77 Two silver candledishes.
candle-flame n.
ΚΠ
1887 Spectator 2 Apr. 463/1 Draughts which no candle-flame was sensitive enough to indicate.
candle-grease n.
ΚΠ
1774 O. Goldsmith Of Fishes iii, in Hist. Earth VII. iii. 50 Drops of candle-grease.
candle-rack n.
ΚΠ
1863 S. Baring-Gould Iceland 209 A curious candlerack of wrought iron foliage.
candle-screen n.
ΚΠ
1819 Post Office London Directory 324 Candle-screen Manufacturers.
candle-shade n.
ΚΠ
1780 Hickey's Bengal Gaz. 8 Apr. Borrowed last Month by a Person or Persons unknown..a very elegant Pair of Candle Shades.
a1916 H. James Middle Years (1917) 76 Milford Cottage, with its innumerable red candles and candle-shades.
1967 J. Rathbone Diamonds Bid xvii. 147 The glass candle shade on my own table.
candle-shine n.
ΚΠ
1853 E. S. Sheppard Charles Auchester III. 230 By candleshine, or the setting sun.
candle-smoke n.
ΚΠ
1647 R. Stapleton tr. Juvenal Sixteen Satyrs 85 Foul'd with candlesmoak.
candle-time n.
ΚΠ
1658 Songs Costume (1849) 168 But you keep off till candle-time.
candle-wright n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > one who makes or sells
chandler1389
wax-maker14..
tallow-chandler1406
wax-chandler1418
candle-maker1611
candle-wright1766
maggot-boiler1788
1766 J. Entick Surv. London in New Hist. London IV. 3 A street occupied..by candle-wrights, or candle-makers.
(b)
candle-lit adj.
ΚΠ
1868 J. G. Whittier Meeting in Compl. Wks. (1898) 486/1 No altar candle-lit by day.
1890 Pall Mall Gaz. 22 Oct. 2/3 This candlelit old hall.
1916 H. G. Wells Mr. Britling sees it Through ii. §9 Equally unexpected was the supper on a long candlelit table without a cloth.
b. Objective.
candle-bearer n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > one who lights or carries
lighterc1400
primiceryc1460
candle-bearer1555
candle-holder1597
primicerio1695
candle-lighter1753
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions ii. xii. 267 The Acholite..occupieth the roume of Candle-bearer.
candle-bearing n.
candle-maker n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > one who makes or sells
chandler1389
wax-maker14..
tallow-chandler1406
wax-chandler1418
candle-maker1611
candle-wright1766
maggot-boiler1788
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Chandelier..a Chaundler, or Candle-maker, or Candle-seller.
candle-making n.
ΚΠ
1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) v. sig. k4v Backe to your candle-making.
c1865 H. Letheby in J. Wylde Circle of Sci. I. 98/1 We do not employ much wax..for candle-making.
candle-seller n.
ΚΠ
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Chandelier..a Chaundler, or Candle-maker, or Candle-seller.
C2. Special combinations. Also candleberry n., candle-end n., candlelight n., candlestick n., etc.† candle-branch n. Obsolete a chandelier (cf. branch n. 2d).† candle-case n. Obsolete a case or box to keep candles in. † candle-fly n. Obsolete ‘a flie that houering about a candle burnes itself’ (Florio s.v. Farfalla), a moth.† candle-inch n. Obsolete (see Phrases 4). † candle-mine n. figurative Obsolete a mine of fat or candle material.† candle-quencher n. Obsolete an extinguisher.† candle-rush n. Obsolete the common rush, formerly used for making rush lights.† candle-shears n. Obsolete snuffers.† candle-silver n. Obsolete a money-payment for the supply of candles.† candle-sniting n. Obsolete the snuff of a candle.† candle-stuff n. Obsolete (a) study or work done by candle-light; (b) material for candles.
candle-balance n. an instrument used in photometric research for measuring a burning candle's rate of consumption.
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1876 Amer. Gas-light Jrnl. 3 July 6 Candle balance.
candle-ball n. a small glass bubble filled with water, which when held in the flame of a candle, bursts with a loud explosion.
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the world > matter > chemistry > equipment or apparatus > [noun] > miscellaneous apparatus
bain1477
speculum1650
filtering paper1651
wheel-fire1662
filter paper1670
sun furnace1763
respirator1789
candle-ball1794
rectifier1822
candle-bomb1823
filter1823
oxyhydrogen blowpipe1823
shade1837
graduator1839
pipette1839
thistle funnel1849
pressure tube1852
ozonizer1858
dialyser1861
Liebig condenser1861
Sprengel pump1866
Sprengel tube1866
water softener1867
mercury pump1869
Bunsen burner1870
dialysator1877
test-mixer1877
tube-condenser1877
Kipp1879
reflux condenser1880
policeman1888
converter1889
pressure boiler1891
spot plate1896
hydrogen electrode1898
sampler1902
reactor1903
fume-chamber1905
Permutit1910
microburner1911
salt bridge1915
precipitator1919
Raschig ring1920
microneedle1921
titrator1928
laboratory coatc1936
spray tower1937
precipitron1938
ion exchanger1941
potentiostat1942
chemostat1950
Knudsen pipette1951
pH-stat1956
cryopump1958
1794 G. Adams Lect. Nat. & Exper. Philos. I. viii. 291 This effect of vapour is..exemplified by the small machines called candle-balls.
candle-bomb n. a sphere which explodes in the heat of a candle, giving out a brilliant light.
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the world > matter > chemistry > equipment or apparatus > [noun] > miscellaneous apparatus
bain1477
speculum1650
filtering paper1651
wheel-fire1662
filter paper1670
sun furnace1763
respirator1789
candle-ball1794
rectifier1822
candle-bomb1823
filter1823
oxyhydrogen blowpipe1823
shade1837
graduator1839
pipette1839
thistle funnel1849
pressure tube1852
ozonizer1858
dialyser1861
Liebig condenser1861
Sprengel pump1866
Sprengel tube1866
water softener1867
mercury pump1869
Bunsen burner1870
dialysator1877
test-mixer1877
tube-condenser1877
Kipp1879
reflux condenser1880
policeman1888
converter1889
pressure boiler1891
spot plate1896
hydrogen electrode1898
sampler1902
reactor1903
fume-chamber1905
Permutit1910
microburner1911
salt bridge1915
precipitator1919
Raschig ring1920
microneedle1921
titrator1928
laboratory coatc1936
spray tower1937
precipitron1938
ion exchanger1941
potentiostat1942
chemostat1950
Knudsen pipette1951
pH-stat1956
cryopump1958
1823 G. Crabb Universal Technol. Dict. Candle-bomb.
1868 Model Steam Engine 14 In Candle Bombs the stem is long enough to admit of being fixed into the fat.
candle-bark n. dialect a candle-box (cf. bark n.1 8).
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1875 Lanc. Gloss. (E.D.S.) Candle-bark, cannel-bark, a candle-box.
candle-box n. a box for keeping candles in.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > box for storing candles
candle-box1566
candle-case1604
1566 J. Haryngton in Leisure Hour (1884) 630/1 That no mans bed be vnmade, nor fire or candle box vncleane, after eight o'clock in the morning.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iv. vii. 251 Amid candle-boxes and treacle-barrels.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > support or holder for a candle > [noun] > candelabrum
branch1525
principal1548
candle-branch1599
lustre1682
chandelier1736
pharos1806
candelabrum1815
cluster-candlestick1859
lampadary1885
1599 J. Minsheu Percyvall's Dict. Spanish & Eng. at Candeléro de tinieblas A candle-branch that hath many candlestickes in it.
candle-bush n. a South African plant, Sarcocaulon patersoni, so called from the readiness with which it burns.
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the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > plants yielding fuel or manure > [noun] > plants yielding firewood
lightwood1693
lignum rhodium1693
candle-wood1712
rosewood1756
grease-wood1845
grease-bush1860
torch-tree1862
amyrisc1865
torchwood1866
candle-bush1890
1890 A. Martin Home Life Ostrich Farm 60 The kerzbosch, or candle-bush, a stunted, thorny plant, if lighted at one end when in the green state, will burn steadily just like a wax candle.
1966 E. Palmer Plains of Camdeboo xvi. 258 The men cut long forked sticks, spiked on the fork a Candlebush which burns like paraffin, and..moved quickly from clump to clump, burning off the noors spines.
candle-canting n. (see quot. and cf. Phrases 4).
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1876 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Words Whitby at Canting ‘A cannle-canting’ when articles were appraised until a candle burned down to a certain mark, and the highest bidder got the bargain.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > box for storing candles
candle-box1566
candle-case1604
1604 F. T. Case is Altered sig. A4 Neither kniue Cases, Pinne-Cases, nor Candle Cases.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. ii. 45 A paire of bootes that haue beene candle-cases . View more context for this quotation
candle-dipper n. a machine for making candles by dipping.
candle-dipping n. the process of manufacturing candles by dipping as distinguished from moulding; also attributive, as in candle-dipping machine.
Categories »
candle-fir n. Scottish ‘fir that has been buried in a morass, moss-fallen fir, split and used instead of candles’ (Jamieson).
candle-fish n. a sea-fish of the salmon family, frequenting the rivers of north-western America, which on account of its extreme oiliness is used when dried as a candle.
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the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > order Salmoniformes (salmon or trout) > family Salmonidae (salmon) > [noun] > thaleichthys pacificus (candle-fish)
eulachon1807
fathom-fish1849
candle-fish1882
1882 Standard 7 Oct. 5/2 The wonderful candle-fish, or ‘oolachan’, which ascends the North-Western rivers in March.
1886 Gazette (Montreal) 14 Aug. 2/4 (advt.) British Columbia ‘Candle Fish’. This delicious fish, the ‘oolachan’ packed in small tubs—for family trade.
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the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > member of (moth)
farfalla1606
taper-fly?1614
candle-fly1626
moth1646
phalaena1658
pilser1736
redneck1773
bustard1803
soul1815
notch-wing1819
satellite1832
bobowler1852
1626 H. Cockeram Eng. Dict. (ed. 2) Farfalla, a Candle-Fly.
1725 N. Bailey tr. Erasmus All Familiar Colloquies 556 Why should an Owl be an Enemy to small Birds..a Turtle-Dove to a Candle-Fly?
candle-foot n. = footcandle n. at foot n. and int. Compounds 2.
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the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun] > unit of illumination > candela > foot-candle
candle-foot1892
footcandle1906
1892 A. P. Trotter in Minutes Proc. Inst. Civil Engineers 110 71 As the heights of lamp-posts and the width of streets are measured in feet, the candle-foot, that is, the illumination produced by one standard candle at a distance of 1 foot, will be taken in the present Paper as the unit of illumination.
1902 Encycl. Brit. XXVIII. 83/2 In order that street surfaces may be well lighted, the minimum illumination should not fall below 0·1 candle-foot.
1928 Sunday Disp. 30 Dec. 7/5 (L.C.C. Regulation) The lighting maintained in no part of the auditorium shall be less than ·025 candle-foot.
candle-hour n. ? time when candles are burnt, night-time.
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a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Crastini Anim. in Poems (1878) 202 Till when, our Numbers (destin'd to more) Creeps to a corner, at a Candle-Hower.
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1719 T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth I. 355 Meaning by Candle Inch to buy my Lot.
candle-lamp n. a kind of lamp in which candles are used.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > artificial light defined by light-source > [noun] > containing a candle
fairy lamp1878
candle-lamp1882
fairy light1886
1882 E. O'Donovan Merv Oasis I. xxvi. 448 On the table burned half a dozen Candle-lamps.
candle-match n. a match or fusee made of the wick of a candle, or of a piece of greased paper.
candle-metre n. the illumination of a standard candle at a distance of one metre.
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the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun] > unit of illumination > standard candle > units depending on
candle-metre1908
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > intensity of light, luminosity > [noun] > unit of light intensity > specific measurements
candle-metre1908
lumen-hour1925
lumen-second1930
1908 Westm. Gaz. 23 Mar. 4/2 The values are expressed in ‘candle-mètres’.
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the world > life > the body > bodily shape or physique > broad shape or physique > [noun] > fat or plump shape or physique > person having
porknellc1540
porkling1541
porridge belly1580
tallow catch1598
woolsack1598
candle-mine1600
trillibub1600
bauson1607
panguts1617
firkin1630
porker1665
poke pudding1706
pudsy1710
jolluxa1797
fatty1797
fattener1817
rotundity1824
tun-butt1829
stout party1855
pig1858
fatlinga1861
slob1861
bladder of lard1864
butterball1877
lard-bladder1891
jelly-belly1896
tub1897
barrel1909
flop1909
pussy-gut1909
gutbucket1919
Billy Bunter1939
endomorph1940
Fatso1944
slug1959
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. iv. 304 You horson candlemine you. View more context for this quotation
candle-mould n. a mould or mould-frame for making candles in, now usually made of pewter or tin.
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society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for making other articles > [noun] > candle-making equipment
candle-mould1566
wax-moulda1679
stick1711
hot closet1798
port1839
broach1875
1566 in J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Agric. & Prices (modernized text) III. 577/2 Candle-mould.
1663 Marquis of Worcester Cent. Names & Scantlings Inventions Index 8 A Candle-mold.
candle-nut n. the commercial name for the fruit of the candleberry tree, or .
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the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > plant, nut, or bean yielding oil > [noun] > trees or shrubs yielding oil > Asian > tung or candlenut tree or bean
Indian walnut1831
candle-nut1835
candle-nut tree1854
candleberry tree1866
kukui1866
tung1889
tung oil tree1913
tung nut1937
1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. I. 58/1 The fruits of the Aleurites triloba..the candle-nuts of the inhabitants of these remote regions.
1884 Leisure Hour Feb. 86/2 Candle-nuts, which are exceedingly hard, but yield good oil.
candle-nut tree n.
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the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > plant, nut, or bean yielding oil > [noun] > trees or shrubs yielding oil > Asian > tung or candlenut tree or bean
Indian walnut1831
candle-nut1835
candle-nut tree1854
candleberry tree1866
kukui1866
tung1889
tung oil tree1913
tung nut1937
1854 P. L. Simmonds Comm. Products Veg. Kingdom in R. G. Latham Dict. Eng. Lang. (1872) The candlenut tree grows in the Polynesian Islands.
candle-paper n. a spill for lighting candles.
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society > occupation and work > materials > fuel > material for igniting > [noun] > match, spill, or taper for lighting
wax tapera1398
match1519
brimstone match1594
card match1654
spunk1755
light1787
spill1821
lighter1828
candle-paper1829
fidibus1829
Promethean1829
sulphur-match1830
pipelight1842
candle-lighter1855
kitchen match1862
spiller1936
1829 W. M. Praed Poems (1865) I. 363 Twisting up his song Into the sweetest candle-papers.
candle power n. (a) see sense 1d; (b) the illuminating power of an electric lamp, etc., reckoned in terms of the light of a standard candle.
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the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun] > unit of illumination > standard candle
standard candle1850
candle1866
candle power1877
1877 Engineering XXIV. 333 In measuring the candle power of the light produced by each machine.
1880 J. W. Urquhart Electr. Light 278 Six electric lights of 480-candle power each.
1883Candle power [see sense 1d]. 1894 D. Salomons Electr. Light Installations (ed. 7) II. 248 The amount of energy required to incandesce the lamp determines its candle-power efficiency.
1934 Discovery June 155/2 The official physical standards of the country, e.g., length, mass, temperature, candle-power.
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the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > [noun] > extinguishing light > that which extinguishes (candles or torches)
snitelc1000
candle-quencher1382
sniters1382
sniting tongsa1425
snuffer1465
sniting instrumentc1475
candle-shears1483
sniting iron1483
out-quencher1535
candle-snuffer1552
snufter1558
extinguisher1562
dout1573
douter1622
topper1688
link-extinguisher1859
squencher1871
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Exod. xxv. 38 Candelquenchers, and forsothe where the snoffes ben quenchid, be thei maad of moost puyr gold.
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the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > a grass or grasses > reedy or aquatic grasses > [noun] > rush and related plants
rusheOE
sharp rushc1050
seave14..
junk?a1425
candle-rushc1440
rush1562
sea-rush1562
camel's-straw1578
mat-rush1578
sprot1595
frog grass1597
matweed1597
rush grass1597
sprata1600
spart1614
bumble1633
toad-grass1640
moss-rush1670
thresha1689
spreta1700
bog rush1760
black grassa1763
goose-corn1762
toad-rush1776
wood-rush1776
stool-bent1777
scrub-grass1811
beak-rush1830
salt-weed1836
wiwi1840
thread rush1861
three-leaved rush1861
kill-cow1898
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > made from animal fat > made from rushes dipped in fat > rush used
candle-rushc1440
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 60 Candylrysche [v.r. candel-rushe], papirus.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iv. lii. 511 The first [kind]..serueth for Matches to burne in lampes..is called..in English, the Rush candle, or candle rushe: Camels strawe.
1686 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Staffs. ix. 379 Both which it seems are Candle-rushes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > [noun] > extinguishing light > that which extinguishes (candles or torches)
snitelc1000
candle-quencher1382
sniters1382
sniting tongsa1425
snuffer1465
sniting instrumentc1475
candle-shears1483
sniting iron1483
out-quencher1535
candle-snuffer1552
snufter1558
extinguisher1562
dout1573
douter1622
topper1688
link-extinguisher1859
squencher1871
1483 Cath. Angl. 52 A Candyl schers, emunctorium.
1611 Rates (Jam.) Candlesheares, the dozen pair xxxs.
candle-shrift n. penance done with candles.
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1871 D. G. Rossetti Dante at Verona lvii This Dante writ in answer thus..Hither to candleshrift and mulct.
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society > faith > worship > benefice > other financial matters > [noun] > payment made for specific purpose > for providing or maintaining lights
lightscotOE
candle-silver1420
wax-silver1432
wax-shot15..
wax-farthingc1588
1420 Will of Thomas Exton (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/2) f. 401 Candelsilvyr qui in eadem ecclesia ut in aliis ecclesiis civitatis predicte tempore paschali colligi solent & levari.
candle-slate n. (see quot.).
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1854 Pharm. Jrnl. & Trans. 13 623 Candle-slates, and other bituminous shales.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > wick > snuff
gnastc1175
snuff1382
snitc1420
snotc1420
snitingc1440
candle-sniting1483
candle-snuff1552
snuffing?1575
snaste1592
snuft1657
1483 Cath. Angl. 53 A Candylsnytynge, licinus, licinum.
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1589 T. Nashe To Students in R. Greene Menaphon Epist. sig. **3 For recreation after their candle stuffe.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §774 By the help of Oyl and Wax, and other Candle-stuff; the flame may continue and the wick not burn.
candle-teening n. (also candle-tending, candle-tining) dialect the time for lighting or seeing to the candles, evening, nightfall.
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1519 W. Horman Vulgaria xxxi. f. 261 About candell tendynge the fyghtynge broke of.
1614 T. Godwin Romanæ Historiæ Anthologia ii. iii. i. 65 Prima fax. Candle-tining.
1746 Exmoor Scolding (ed. 3) ii. 16 Vrom Candle-douting to condle-teening.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
candlev.
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1676 A. Marvell Mr. Smirke sig. C3 v Is it the Taeda, in which they candled a Man over in Wax, and he, instead of the wick, burnt out to his lives end like a Taper, to give light to the Company?
2. To test by allowing the light of a candle to shine through.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > try or test [verb (transitive)] > test by other specific methods
riddle?c1225
ring1777
candle1879
fatigue test1905
pressure-test1933
1879 Daily News 28 Aug. 3/7 Letters..‘candled’, like suspicious eggs, to detect whether more than one sheet was covered by the enclosure.
1883 Daily News 1 Aug. 5/1 An old-fashioned post-office, with clerks ‘candling’ the letters.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
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n.a700
v.1676- misproportion
- misproportionateness
- misproportioned
- misproposal
- misproud
- misprove
- misprovidence
- misproving
- misprovoke
- mispsychology
- mispunctuate
- mispunctuated
- mispunctuates
- mispunctuating
- mispunctuation
- mispunctuations
- mispurchase
- mispurity
- mispursuit
- mispurveyance
- misput
- misqualify
- misquality
- misqueme
- misquotation