smoking lamp

noun

1. formerly, a lamp aboard ship for lighting pipes, now used figuratively to indicate when smoking is or is not allowed:

   The smoking lamp is lit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of smoking lamp¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Milford reached over and turned down the ragged blaze of the smoking lamp.

From Project Gutenberg

Giovanni quickly extinguished the candles and replaced in its corner the smoking lamp, which but dimly lighted the apartment.

From Project Gutenberg

In the immense hall, badly lighted by a smoking lamp, there were only two men to be seen.

From Project Gutenberg

A smoking lamp hung low over a center table, dropping a dusky round glow on the larger circle beneath it.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, blowing out the light, she reached over and set the smoking lamp on the piano near by.

From Project Gutenberg