Căn'dle, n.

n. [A-S. candel, O. Fr. candelle, chandele, chandelle, chandoile, N. Fr. chandelle, Pr., Sp., & It. candela, from Lat. candela, a (white) light made of wax or tallow, from candere, to be white.] 1. A cylindrical body of tallow, wax, spermaceti, or similar substances, formed on a wick composed of linen or cotton threads, twisted loosely, used to furnish light. Out went the candle, and we were left darkling. Shak. How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. Shak. 2. That which gives light; a luminary. By these blessed candles of the night. Shak. Excommunication by inch of candle, a form of excommunication in which the offender is allowed time to repent only while a candle burns. — Sale by inch of candle, an auction in which persons are allowed to bid only till a small piece of candle burns out. — Rush candle, a candle made of the pith of certain rushes, peeled except on one side, and dipped in grease.