torch, torc he

[Fr. torc he, from Low Lat. tortia, tortica =a torch, from Lat. tort us, pa. par. of torqueo to twist, because made of a twisted roll of tow or the like. 1. Ord. Lang.: A light to be carried in the hand, made of some combustible substance, as resinous wood, twisted flax, hemp, ., soaked with tallow or other inflammable substance; a large candle; a flambeau. Torches for military purposes are made of a number of strands of twine, slightly twisted, or of old rope, covered with a composition to give light, consisting of tallow, wax, and rosin, or equiv alent ingredients. "We then had the town open before us, and presently saw lighted torches , or candles, all the town over; whereas before the gun was tired there was but one light."-Dampier: Voyages (an. 1684). 2. Bot . ( pl .): Verbascum thapsus . So named because, according to Parkins on and Coles, quoted by Prior, the stalks were formerly dipped in suet to burn at funerals, and elsewhere. According to Lyte, quoted by Britten & Holland, because the plant with its yellow flowers resembles a wax taper. torch-bearer, s. One who attends another with a torch; one who carries a torch. "To be to thee this night a torch -bearer, And light thee on thy way to Shakesp.: Romeo and Juliet , iii. 5. torch-dance, subst . A dance in which each performer carries a torch. torch-light, s. & a. A. As subst.: The light of a torch or of torches. "It is of a mellow color, and has great force and brilliancy; it is illuminated by torch - light ."- Reynolds : A Journey to Flanders and Holland. B. As adj .: Done or performed by the light of torches; as, a torch - light proce ion.