n. & v.
n. 1 a wick coated with wax etc. for conveying a flame. 2 a slender candle.
v. (often foll. by off) 1 intr. & tr. diminish or reduce in thickness towards one end. 2 tr. & intr. make or become gradually less.
[ OE tapur, -or, -er wax candle, f. L PAPYRUS, whose pith was used for candle-wicks ]