Main Entry:

¹torch

Pronunciation:

\ˈtȯrch\

Function:

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 : flambeau2: 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 blowtorch4chiefly British : flashlight 25: incendiary 1a