[f. LIGHT v.2 + -ER1.]

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  1.  One who lights or kindles.

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1553.  Becon, Reliques of Rome (1563), 26*. A lighter and carier of candels.

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1753, 1853.  [see CANDLE-LIGHTER 1].

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1885.  Pall Mall Gaz., 3 Nov., 4/2. The display [of fireworks] … costs about £300. Twelve lighters are stationed at different points, and obey the signal at the same moment.

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  2.  An instrument for lighting; esp. a piece of twisted or folded paper used for lighting a pipe, etc.

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1851.  J. H. Newman, Cath. in Eng., 247. He evidently thinks there is something religious about this lighter and extinguisher.

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1856.  Mrs. Browning, Aur. Leigh, VIII. 177. This … letter, which Sir Blaise Has twisted to a lighter … To fire some holy taper.

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1893.  Lloyd & Hadcock, Artillery, 222. Without a ‘lighter’ it [cordite] does not readily ignite.

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