I. ˈtȯrch noun
Usage: often attributive
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 torquēre 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 1901
: to set fire to with or as if with a torch