[can.dle] n [ME candel, fr. OE, fr. L candela, fr. candere] (bef. 12c) 1: a usu. 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 ~ for fumigating"
3: required effort, expense, or trouble--usu. used in the phrase not worth the candle
4: candela
[2]candle vt can.dled ; can.dling (1879): to examine by holding between the eye and a light; esp: to test (eggs) in this way for staleness, blood clots, fertility, and growth -- can.dler n