How far that little candle throws his beams! So
shines a good deed in a naughty world. --Shak.
Note: Candles are usually made by repeatedly dipping the
wicks in the melted tallow, etc. (``dipped candles''),
or by casting or running in a mold.
2. That which gives light; a luminary.
By these blessed candles of the night. --Shak.
{Candle nut}, the fruit of a euphorbiaceous shrub ({Aleurites
triloba}), a native of some of the Pacific islands; --
socalled because, when dry, it will burn with a bright
flame, and is used by the natives as a candle. The oil has
many uses.
{Candle power} (Photom.), illuminating power, as of a lamp,
or gas flame, reckoned in terms of the light of a standard
candle.
{Electric candle}, A modification of the electric arc lamp,
in which the carbon rods, instead of being placed end to
end, are arranged side by side, and at a distance suitable
for the formation of the arc at the tip; -- called also,
from the name of the inventor, {Jablockoff candle}.
{Excommunication by inch of candle}, a form of
excommunication in which the offender is allowed time to
repent only while a candle burns.
{Not worth the candle}, not worth the cost or trouble.
{Rush candle}, a candle made of the pith of certain rushes,
peeled except on one side, and dipped in grease.
{Sale by inch of candle}, an auction in which persons are
allowed to bid only till a small piece of candle burns
out.
{Standard candle} (Photom.), a special form of candle
employed as a standard in photometric measurements;
usually, a candle of spermaceti so constructed as to burn
at the rate of 120 grains, or 7.8 grams, per hour.
{To curse by bell, book and candle}. See under {Bell}.