rush candle

American  

noun

1. a candle made from a dried, partly peeled rush that has been dipped in grease.

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Etymology

Origin of rush candle

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

She lighted a fragment of a rush candle by the flame, and, opening a small box containing medicinal preparations, took therefrom a small vial containing an amber-coloured liquid, and held it to the light.

From Captain Kyd (Vol 1 of 2) or, The Wizard of the Sea by Ingraham, Jonathon Holt

Upon a little three-legged stool, between them, burns a dim rush candle, whose light is so exceedingly feeble that it casts ghastly and death-like shadows over the whole inside of the cabin.

From The Black Baronet; or, The Chronicles Of Ballytrain The Works of William Carleton, Volume One by Carleton, William

At this window, but a few paces away, she found her daughter awaiting her, and by the light of the rush candle that she carried she saw that the girl's face was deadly white.

From The Sign of the Red Cross by Everett-Green, Evelyn

She opened the door slowly, and the rush candle showed her clothing scattered about the room.

From A Singer from the Sea by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston

Clelia Alba rose with effort from her chair, relighted her lamp at the old woman's rush candle, and went slowly and heavily up the stairs.

From The Waters of Edera by Ouida