torchbearer

[tawrch-bair-er]

noun

a person who carries a torch.
a leader in a movement, campaign, etc.: a torchbearer of democracy.

Origin of torchbearer

First recorded in 1530–40; torch¹ + bearer

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for torchbearer

Contemporary Examples of torchbearer

He was also, in his own unique way, a torchbearer for racial equality.
‘No No,’ a Documentary on MLB Pitcher Dock Ellis, Who Pitched a No-Hitter While Tripping on Acid
Marlow Stern
February 5, 2014
It was his inner core that made him a torchbearer of ideals.
Robert Shrum on Friend George McGovern, the Prophet Politician
Robert Shrum
October 22, 2012

Historical Examples of torchbearer

The crier and torchbearer were important functionaries at the celebration of the Eleusinian mysteries.
The Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches of Lord Macaulay, Vol. 1 (of 4)
Thomas Babington Macaulay
He gathered up the tools of his trade, and motioned to his torchbearer to go before.
To Have and To Hold
Mary Johnston

British Dictionary definitions for torchbearer

torchbearer

noun

a person or thing that carries a torch
a person who leads or inspires

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012