n. & v.
--n.
1. a cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick, for giving light when burning.
2 CANDLEPOWER.
--v.tr. test (an egg) for freshness by holding it to the light.
Phrases and idioms:
cannot hold a candle to cannot be compared with; is much inferior to. not worth the candle not justifying the cost or trouble.
Derivatives:
candler n.
Etymology: OE candel f. L candela f. candere shine