n.
Pronunciation: ' to ̇ rch
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English torche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Latin torqua something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of torques; akin to Latin torqu ē re to twist ― more at TORTURE
Date: 13th century
1 : a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : FLAMBEAU
2 : something (as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance <pass the torch to the next generation>
3 : any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame ― compare BLOWTORCH
4 chiefly British : FLASHLIGHT 2
5 : INCENDIARY 1A