[f. CANDLE + LIGHTER2.]
1. One who lights candles; spec. an acolyte.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Candle-lighter, an officer in the antient church, called also accensor and acolythus.
1853. Ruskin, Stones Ven., II. iii. § 35. 51. Watching the candlelighter at his work, knocking his ladder about the heads of the capitals as if they had given him personal offence.
2. A thing for lighting a candle, etc.; a spill.
1855. Mrs. Gaskell, North & S., 240 (Hoppe). She knew that her mother slept, from the candle-lighter thrust through the keyhole of her bedroom door.
1859. W. Collins, After Dark, 67 (Hoppe). A piece of paper, rolled up tight like those candle-lighters that the ladies make.
So Candle-lighting vbl. sb.
1605. L. Hutten, An Answer, 80. They washed at table and at candle-lighting.
