torch 1
— torchable , adj. — torchless , adj. — torchlike , adj.
/tawrch/ , n.
1. a light to be carried in the hand, consisting of some combustible substance, as resinous wood, or of twisted flax or the like soaked with tallow or other flammable substance, ignited at the upper end.
2. something considered as a source of illumination, enlightenment, guidance, etc.: the torch of learning.
3. any of various lamplike devices that produce a hot flame and are used for soldering, burning off paint, etc.
4. Slang. an arsonist.
5. Chiefly Brit. flashlight (def. 1).
6. carry the or a torch for , Slang. to be in love with, esp. to suffer from unrequited love for: He still carries a torch for his ex-wife.
v.i.
7. to burn or flare up like a torch.
v.t.
8. to subject to the flame or light of a torch, as in order to burn, sear, solder, or illuminate.
9. Slang. to set fire to maliciously, esp. in order to collect insurance.
[ 1250-1300; ME torche (n.) torca something twisted. See TORQUE ]
torch 2
/tawrch/ , v.t.
to point (the joints between roofing slates) with a mixture of lime and hair.
[ 1840-50; torcher to plaster with a mixture of clay and chopped straw, deriv. of torche a twist of straw. See TORCH 1 ]