[Of uncertain formation; perh. f. FETCH sb.2, if that be an old word. But it may be f. FETCH v., as the ‘corpse-candle’ is supposed to be a light sent to ‘fetch’ the doomed person.]
A name given (app. in South Wales) to the ‘corpse-candle’ (Welsh canwyll corff), a spectral light supposed to be seen before a person’s death travelling from his house to his grave.
1692. Athenian Mercury, VI. vi. 1/1. Before the Death of any person in the Family, there is an Appearance vulgarly called a Fetch-light.
