Candle

n.
  1. A slender, cylindrical body of tallow, containing a wick composed of loosely twisted linen of cotton threads, and used to furnish light.
  2. That which gives light; a luminary.
    3. 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 (Photom.),
    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 (Photom.),
    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.