courting candle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A coil-shaped candle, or a cylindrical candle placed inside of a spiral metal candleholder, historically used to limit the length of a suitor's visit during courtship. When the candle burned down to a certain adjustable point, it signaled that the suitor’s time was up and they were expected to leave.

Word forms

courting candle courting candles
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