cresset

[ kres-it ]

noun

1. a metal cup or basket often mounted on a pole or suspended from above, containing oil, pitch, a rope steeped in rosin, etc., burned as a light or beacon.

cresset

/ ˈkrɛsɪt /

noun

1. history a metal basket mounted on a pole in which oil or pitch was burned for illumination

Word History and Origins

Origin of cresset¹

1325–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French craisset, equivalent to cras grease + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of cresset¹

C14: from Old French craisset, from craisse grease

Example Sentences

At one of the larger intersections, Albert stopped under a flaming cresset and looked at his arm.

From Project Gutenberg

For a moment there was darkness, then a cresset on the wall flashed up, another and another, and all was light.

From Project Gutenberg

His face was cruel and alert, and the light from the cresset played in red streaks upon his helmet.

From Project Gutenberg

Light yonder cresset from the embers on the hearth; advance it to his face!

From Project Gutenberg

Cresset, a large kind of candlestick for holding a small fire or illuminant.

From Project Gutenberg