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

As he pored over the map, by the light of bog-deal torch or rush candle, what would he see upon it?

From Hereward, the Last of the English by Kingsley, Charles

By the light of a rush candle Brother Basil and the Abbot looked at the precious grains of river-washed gold, twinkling like fairy stars.

From Masters of the Guild by Lamprey, L.

The two men did not recognize each other, for they had only met for a moment, and that by the faint light of a rush candle.

From La Vendée by Trollope, Anthony

Before the first streak of dawn on that tardy, northern morning, Ridley’s ponderous step came up the stair, into the feeble light of the rush candle which the watchers tried to shelter from the draughts.

From Grisly Grisell by Yonge, Charlotte Mary