I. ˈkan-d ə l noun
Etymology: Middle English candel, from Old English, from Latin candela, from candēre
Date: before 12th century
1. : a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be burned (as to give light, heat, or scent or for celebration or votive purposes)
2. : something resembling a candle in shape or use
a sulfur candle for fumigating
3. : required effort, expense, or trouble — usually used in the phrase not worth the candle
4. : candela
II. transitive verb
( can·dled ; can·dling ˈkan(d)-liŋ, ˈkan-d ə l-iŋ)
Date: 1879
: to examine by holding between the eye and a light ; especially : to test (eggs) in this way for staleness, blood clots, fertility, and growth
• can·dler ˈkan(d)-lər, ˈkan-d ə l-ər noun