A light or luminary formed of some combustible substance, as of resinous wood; a large candle or flambeau, or a lamp giving a large, flaring flame. They light the nuptial torch. (milton) Torch thistle.
(Science: botany) See thistle.
Origin: OE. Torche, F. Torche a torch, rag, wisp, pad; probably from a derivative of L. Torquere, tortum, to twist, because twisted like a rope; cf. F. Torcher to rub, wipe, It. Topcia a torch, torciare to wrap, twist, OF. Torse a torse. Cf. Torture.