I. R ˈlantərn, ˈlaan-, ˈlain-, - R -tən also -t ə n noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English lanterne, from Middle French, from Latin lanterna, from Greek lamptēr stand for holding a torch, lantern, from lampein to give light, shine — more at lamp
1. : a protective enclosure for a light with transparent openings and often a supporting frame or carrying handle : a portable lamp
2. : a giver of light
lantern of science
3.
a. obsolete : lighthouse
b. : the chamber in a lighthouse that contains the light
c. : a structure with glazed or open sides raised above an opening in a roof to light or ventilate the interior space below : monitor 5
d. : a small tower or cupola or one stage of a cupola
4.
a. : a foundry lamp
b. : core barrel
c. : lantern pinion
5. : aristotle's lantern
6. : projector 2b
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to furnish with a lantern
lantern a lighthouse
lantern a fishing boat
: light the way of with a lantern
2.
[French lanterner, from lanterne lantern, street lamp]
: to put to death by hanging to a street lamppost