Hypertext Webster Gateway: "torch"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Torch \Torch\ (t[^o]rch), n. [OE. torche, F. torche a torch,
rag, wisp, pad; probably from a derivative of L. torquere,
tortum, to twist, because twisted like a rope; cf. F. torcher
to rub, wipe, It. topcia a torch, torciare to wrap, twist,
OF. torse a torse. Cf. {Torture}.]
A light or luminary formed of some combustible substance, as
of resinous wood; a large candle or flambeau, or a lamp
giving a large, flaring flame.
They light the nuptial torch. --Milton.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Torchwort \Torch"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
The common mullein, the stalks of which, dipped in suet,
anciently served for torches. Called also {torch}, and
{hig-taper}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
torch
n 1: a light carried in the hand; consists of some flammable
substance
2: tall-stalked very woolly mullein with densely packed yellow
flowers; ancient Greeks and Romans dipped the stalks in
tallow for funeral torches [syn: {common mullein}, {great
mullein}, {Aaron's rod}, {flannel mullein}, {woolly
mullein}, {Verbascum thapsus}]
3: a small portable battery-powered electric lamp [syn: {flashlight}]
4: a burner that produces a hot flame [syn: {blowtorch}, {blowlamp}]
v : burn maliciously, as by arson; "The madman torched the
barns"
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